Howell Phillips (centre) with Plympton Victoria after last year’s Ellis Trophy final

HOWELL PHILLIPS has confirmed he has stood down from his role as head coach of Plympton Victoria for health reasons.

The former Plymouth Argaum coach and St Boniface teacher has just started chemotherapy after a tumour was discovered on his pelvis.

Phillips loves his rugby but, after talking with Plympton Victoria and his family, he believes it is best for everyone for him to step away from his duties with the club.

“I’m not going to mess the club around,” said Phillips. “I have put all the groundwork in and I have had a meeting with the coaches.

“They have got Colin Robertson, Mark Watson and Chris Hunt there and I think the club are on the way to improving.

“I’m hoping they keep going and keep improving and we’ll see how the rest of the season goes.

“The biggest problem has been getting people on to the pitch, but they are getting there.”

Welshman Phillips, who has worked hard to keep struggling Plym Vic going over the last few years, does hope he might be able to watch a few games in the future.

Plym Vic are in action at home this weekend when they entertain Old Techs at Marsh Mills in Devon Two.