Mansfield Rugby Club chairman Pete Steffen has stood down after taking up a work opportunity in Thailand with an aerospace company, north east of Pattaya, and been succeeded by Stafford Burt.

Pete said: “It is with great regret that I have to relinquish the position of chairman. It is a decision for the betterment of the club, which I have always put first.

“A big thank you and congratulations to Stafford Burt for stepping up and taking over. I am sure people will all join me in welcoming him as the new chairman of the club and also continue to support him, as you all have me.”

Stafford began coaching in Mansfield Rugby Club’s youth section in 2013 after playing for the club, on and off, for several years. He became head of the under-nines section in 2014, and has since coached every age grade within the youth section up to and including the current under-16s.

For the past year has served as Youth Section coordinator, and as well as continuing to play for Mansfield Veterans (and occasionally the Third XV) he also coaches the under-12 and under-14 girls.

He said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed club chairman. I believe the future is very bright for all sections of Mansfield Rugby Club, from senior men and ladies through to our youth section.

“I am very grateful for the many messages of support I have received from club members, and I look forward to working with each one to enable that bright future.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Pete Steffen for his service to this club, latterly as chairman and before that in roles including club captain. We wish Andreia (his wife) and Pete all the very best of success and happiness in their future endeavours.”

In 2017, Stafford qualified as a referee and has served as part of the Nottinghamshire Lincolnshire and Derbyshire refereeing society ever since. He is married to Louise, an active club member who is often seen working behind the bar at the weekend. Their children, Alex and Georgia, play in Mansfield’s youth and girls sections.

To find out more about Mansfield Rugby Club visit www.mansfieldrugby.co.uk