“Substantial changes” set for Featherstone as Bastian axed

Featherstone have parted company with head coach John Bastian.

Bastian only took charge at the Big Fellas Stadium in the close season, succeeding Daryl Powell, who left Rovers for Castleford midway through last season.

His last two games were back to back defeats to rivals Leigh, both in the league and the Challenge Cup.

Club Chairman Mark Campbell said “John is a man of great professionalism, good values, immense integrity and despite not working out at Featherstone Rovers, this man has an immense career in Rugby League and I believe he will be coaching in Super League one day. 

“There will be massive interest in his coaching abilities and we wish him and his family well. Danny Evans will take control as interim Head Coach.”

After joining from Warrington, where he was heavily involved in their academy set-up, Bastian guided Featherstone to seven wins during his 11 games in charge.

According to local newspaper reports, although the departure of Bastian was said to have been on “mutual terms” by the club, the coach seemed unaware when speaking to journalists a couple of hours prior to the announcement.

Featherstone are set to make an announcement regarding “substantial changes” at the club on Tuesday.