The former Leicester Tigers’ flanker joined the Bees at the start of the season, working alongside new Head of Rugby Pete Glackin. Due to domestic circumstances, he informed the club a couple of months ago that he would be relocating to the north east at the end of the season. The announcement has now been made public after he informed the squad at training last night.

“Woodsie’ has made a tremendous contribution to the club during his year with us and we will be sorry to see him go” said Pete Glackin. “He very quickly earned the respect of the squad and made an immediate impact with his calm and measured approach."

"We fully respect and understand his reasons for moving on and wish him well for the future. His last assignment is helping to prepare the side for the final game of the season against Syston on Saturday.”

Ben Woods said “I’ve greatly enjoyed my time here at the Bees and whilst the season has not ended the way we had hoped, that shouldn’t take away from the real progress that we have made this year in what is a relatively young and inexperienced squad."

"With some additions to the playing staff over the summer, I am sure that the Bees will be in the mix at the top of the table next season. As well as the players and the performance team, I would also like to thank all the supporters for their friendship and backing in my time at the club.”

Chairman of Rugby Dai Phillips added, “Ben was a quality operator in his playing days and he has brought similar commitment, discipline and professionalism with him during his time here at the Bees. He leaves with our very good wishes – the process of recruiting his replacement begins in earnest after the Syston game.”