REDDITCH Rugby Club have replaced Kiwi player-coach Cameron Waghorn by promoting first teamer Ron Skelton to the role.

Skelton is studying for his intermediate coaching qualification and was earmarked as a future coach but Waghorn's acrimonious departure has seen him fast-tracked.

Waghorn resigned as coach last week after a reported rift with first team and club captain Stan Hull.

The former Dunstablians star, currently sidelined by a back injury, was non-commital this week confirming only he had left his post and would be looking to join another club when he regained fitness.

But the newcomer had been openly critical of the lack of commitment shown by established players in training.

Hull confirmed he had disagreed with the new man but denied there was a personality clash.

Redditch have endured a torrid start to the Powergen North Midlands One and sit second from bottom after six straight defeats which also saw them crash out of the Junior Vase.

But Kingfishers chairman Dave Joynes denied Waghorn had been shown the door because of results.

Joynes was upbeat despite the very real threat of relegation with a quarter of the season gone.

Waghorn's departure failed to bring about a change in results with Redditch going down 35-3 at Veseyans at the weekend.

And Skelton has a tough task ahead on Saturday (ko 3pm) when his troops visit the Worcester Wanderers side who beat them 30-12 at Bromsgrove Road to knock them out of the Junior Vase.