MICK Orton is back as head coach of Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club - only a year after he stepped down following six years in the role.

In a statement this week the club said: "Minehead Barbarians are delighted to welcome back Mick Orton as headcoach of the senior squad. Mick has played a major role in the success of the club in recent years and even during his brief time away has been a regular at the club, assisting with coaching the colts team towards the end of last season.

"As well as taking on the head coach role, Mick will also be the Coaching Co-ordinator at the club working with DOR, Richard Parsons, to ensure we have a system of play throughout the club which is similar throughout all age groups, men's rugby and ladies' rugby. Mick and Richard will be holding regular coaches' meetings along with Mick offering extra coaching sessions to help develop the style of play throughout the club.

"Particular focus will be on the transition of junior rugby into senior rugby; we are hoping to run the senior and colts' training alongside one another on Tuesday and Thursday evenings which will enable some of the senior players to pass on knowledge and skills to the next generation coming through the ranks.

"The future looks bright for MBRFC and we welcome you all to come and enjoy the club next season at all age grades and levels."