DAVE SANSOM has decided to step down from his role as Plymouth Argaum’s first team coach and director of rugby after an incredibly successful five seasons.

However, Sansom is still going to be involved with the club, but in a slightly less time-consuming way. He will look after the colts side along with Mike Hunt and will also try and help Argaum off the field.

Sansom took over Argaum when they were at the foot of Devon Two but he has helped them earn two successive promotions and to a top half finish in their first season in the Cornwall/Devon League.

But he feels now is time to step aside and let someone else build on the job he has done.

Former Taunton forward Gordon Howells will take over running the first team, but Sansom will be around if he needs any advice.

The club honoured Sansom at their end of season dinner by making him a life vice-president and inducting him to their new hall of fame.

“It was a really hard decision to make, but it is one I think will benefit the club,” said Sansom on his decision to step down from first team duties. “The club can’t just rely on one person.

“I’m still going to be involved. I am going to do the colts and I am quite excited about that. I have recruited Mike Hunt to help me.

“I always said when I stopped doing the first team I would like to go back and do a junior side and maybe get involved with Devon.

“The colts are critical. They are the life of the club and, hopefully, this club is going to be around for a long, long time.

“There’s certain other things that I need to do at the club, like trying to get sponsorship to make the club even better. We have got a great committee and the club, hopefully, is going to go on leaps and bounds. We are definitely going into the right direction.”

Argaum have been one of the big success stories in recent years.

Sansom said: “My first season we won four games, which was more than normal. The second season we won eight, then the third season we won promotion to Devon One. We then won promotion the next and last season we finished seventh in Cornwall/Devon.

“Not only have I been pleased with the success we have had but I have enjoyed doing it.”

Howells joined Argaum last season and has been helping out with some coaching sessions.

Sansom, who also runs his own business, believes the Welshman is the right person to take over.

“I have said if he needs a shoulder to lean on I will be there – not that I think he’ll need one,” he said.

Sansom not only wants to bring colts through but he wants to mentor Hunt, who he believes will make a great coach himself. Hunt broke his leg in five places during a match in March.

“Working with the colts is a fantastic thing to do,” said Sansom. “And I think it will be great for Hunty. He’s still only young, but he’s going to get his coaching badges and come up through the ranks.

“He is a brilliant player but broke his arm last year and shattered his leg this year. He still wants to be involved and I would love to help him make that next step. I think he will make a really good coach.”