Nuneaton legend Darren Garforth has welcomed the decision of director of rugby Chris Tarbuck to remain at Liberty Way despite their relegation from National Two.

There had been speculation that the former Leicester Tigers No 8 would move on after Nuns' end of season charge came too late to prevent them dropping into level four but Tarbuck has announced that he continue in a part-time capacity.

"It is definitely a good thing for the club that he is staying on," said Garforth. "What we now have to do is keep the same players.

"If we can do that, we will be well placed to bounce straight back up which is what we have all set our sights on."

Garforth finally retired from playing at the end of last season and although he was circumspect about his intentions he outlined his desire to play a part in helping Nuneaton get out of National Three.

"I didn't really want to play this year but in the secondhalf of the season it became clear that I had to help the club out," he said. "Next year I would like to stay and do some coaching but it all depends on Chris's thinking and if he wants that."

Higher up the rugby foodchain, Worcester's European Shield opponents Auch go into Saturday's final at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium in positive mood, despite their domestic concerns.

In fact the French side are almost looking forward to a match that Warriors' director of rugby John Brain has declared to be nothing more than a nicety.

Even though they have already been relegated from the French top flight, face a gruelling run of three matches in seven days and are playing away from home, Auch's Jason Hooper is still positive about his team's prospects.

"To win the European Shield would be massive," said the New Zealand-born prop, in stark contrast to the unenthusiastic noises emanating from Sixways.

"A final is a final and European rugby is very important to us. We have worked really hard to earn our place in Oxford."