It may have come as a shock to many people but not everyone. It has been suggested that his relationship with board members has been an uneasy one. Earlier this week the Titans Board of Directors released the following statement.

STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“The board of Rotherham RUFC can confirm that Andre Bester has handed in his notice and will resign from the club at the end of the season.

“We wish to thank Andre for his efforts over the past two seasons and re-affirm our support for the team as they challenge for a first place finish in National Division One this season.

“We will commence the search for a successor in due course as we continue to make firm plans for next season.”

At this time it is not expected that the board will comment further on the matter.

I caught up with Andre and asked him if he could explain to this supporter’s site what his reasons for his departure were.

As always Andre made the time and told me, “At the beginning of the year the Board of Directors asked me what my intentions were for next season. They informed me that whatever division Rotherham would be in, they wanted me to continue.

“I said I would give them a final decision by the end of February. But I feel it is only fair to all concerned that the decision be made sooner rather than later. Therefore because of family and personal reasons, I have tendered my resignation.

“I want to thank the fans for all the support they have given me, they may not be large in number, but they are so passionate for their club.

“I’m not sure what I will do next, I have no other offers right now and my next job does not necessarily have to be in rugby.

“Right now though we have nine cup finals remaining and I want to win them all. Both the players and I are professional enough, not to let any distractions get in the way of our goals.

“We have a critical game away to Nottingham on Sunday and wining is everything. The players are doing a great job both on and off the pitch.”

There’s no doubt that Bester will be missed and his coaching qualities are unquestioned, even by those who are not his greatest admirers. Whatever happens from here on in, his time at Clifton Lane should be remembered as a successful one.

Current club Captain Joe Bedford told the site, “It came as a big shock to us all and on Wednesday I was on a real downer. Andre has done a lot for my career and not many people would have made me captain at 22 years of age.

“Andre’s coaching skills are undoubted and he’s got every single player performing better than they did before arriving at Rotherham.”

Will Andre’s announcement of his departure make things harder for the team, Joe reckons, “Not at all, in fact I believe there will be less pressure on us. People outside the club will be expecting us to fall now. But that won’t be the case, all the players want to go on and win this division and get the opportunity to perform in the Premiership.”

Joe continued, “Andre and all the players have work very hard all season and we will not just throw it away now. It’s important for the player’s market value, the club and the supporters that we remain as positive as ever. We have a massive game on Sunday and it’s vital that we maintain our focus on that.”

It appears then that both Andre and the players are determined that whatever else happens, they are fully committed to attaining their goal of wining National One.