SLOUGH RFC have defended their decision to part company with former head coach Darran Brown after he was embroiled in a match-fixing scandal last season.

Slough were punished by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for jointly fixing the result of a match, which left Brown and one after member of staff suspended from the sport and the club deducted 25 points.

It emerged that after a scheduled away match to Chipping Norton on February 6, which was actually called off due to bad weather, staff of both clubs hatched an agreement with the referee to instead record a 24-24 draw.

Slough avoided relegation from the BBO Premier but have taken the decision to release Brown from his duties following an internal investigation.

Brown is disappointed with the outcome, though the club insist it is the best way for both parties to draw a line under the incident and move forward.

Marc Casey, a spokesman for Slough RFC, told the Observer: “It’s the best thing for both us and Darran as a coach, considering we were all under the spotlight.

“We took the decision and sanction from the RFU very seriously and, for Darran to develop, it’s best for him to do that away from all the attention. We felt that, with the spotlight put on us, it was not fair to Darran’s progression as a coach.

“It’s the right decision for both parties to be able to carry on and, this way, I think that the club and Darren will continue to be successful.”

The club say their decision was not influenced by outside sources and have confirmed John Spandley, assistant coach to Brown last season, as their new head coach for the 2016/17 campaign.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: John Spandley has been appointed the new head coach at Slough Rugby Club. Spandley was assistant coach to Darren Brown last season.

“We played some good rugby under the tutelage of Darren,” said Casey. “Fair play to the boys for stepping up in the last four or five games, and credit to John Spandley.

“John showed that his colours really are green and white, and the boys played very well for him. The end of the season finished on a high.

“Given the circumstances it was an easy decision to appoint John. We are keen to reward someone for making the very best out of a difficult situation.

“Under John, I would like us to challenge for promotion.

“The club has been in a unique situation because it has been able to attract players from all over the Slough area, but now it’s going to be a very competitive league with Drifters and Phoenix, and a lot more fun.”

Slough begin the new season at home to Chesham on September 10.