GERD Coyne will stay on as Abingdon coach after a successful first season in charge of the senior side.

The newly-promoted team handled the step up to the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier last term.

Although it was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, Abingdon were awarded a fourth-placed finish under the Rugby Football Union’s weighted points per game formula.

Coyne, who originally hails from the west of Ireland, took up rugby with Barnhall in County Kildare.

He moved to Oxfordshire in 2014 and joined Abingdon, but was forced to retire from playing two years later, which saw him go into coaching instead.

Although it is unclear when conditions will allow the 2020/21 campaign to begin, Coyne has been busy making plans for a return to training when the guidelines allow.

He will be supported in his role next season by new coach Sean Kennelly, fitness coach Jamie Loughrie and club president Neil Crossley.