Perkins to leave Hemel

Troy Perkins has announced that he will be leaving his role as Head Coach of Hemel Stags after 12 years.

Perkins joined the League 1 side in 2006 in a player-coach position and guided the club to a NL3 Grand Final appearance.

In the seasons after, Hemel won the 2012 RLCN Grand Final as they beat Underbank Rangers.

The Stags were one of the expansion clubs to join League 1 in 2013 and they reached the play-offs in their first season and in 2014 as well but they have struggled in the third-tier in recent years.

Perkins, who lives in Coventry, is leaving his post due to the travel commitments and amount of time spent away from his family.

But Hemel Chairman Bob Brown is grateful for everything that Perkins has done for the club.

He said: “Troy’s professionalism and commitment to the Hemel Stages ethos throughout his long stay with the club has been outstanding.

“He has been one of the heroes of Rugby League in the South of England.”

The club are expected to make an announcement on his successor next week.