MATT Williams intends to help Chinnor look for his successor after announcing he was leaving for London Scottish.

The director of rugby had been at the club for six years, during which time they had gone from the wrong end of National League 2 South to becoming established in National League 1.

But despite narrowly missing out on a second promotion with the Thame-based club, Williams will be in the Championship next season after all.

London Scottish, who were third bottom when coronavirus stopped the games, have appointed him as their director of rugby.

Williams said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am leaving Chinnor.

“Even with an opportunity to step up to the Championship, this was an extremely difficult decision to make.”

He added: “I have promised the board I will help find my successor to assist in finding a smooth transition into the next phase of Chinnor’s history.”

Chairman Simon Vickers made it clear they would not stand in the way of what was clearly a progression up the pyramid.

And with Williams’ help, the Chinnor chief is also confident of continuing their own climb.

He said: “I have no doubt he will be slightly sad that he did not fulfil the joint ambition of finishing top of National League 1.

“It is however a testament to what we have achieved at Chinnor that both our players and coaches are able to move up the leagues.

“Matt leaves with our blessing – best wishes and thanks.

“These are uncertain times for all clubs, but we are already quite well advanced with the search for a replacement director of rugby.

“We are very enthusiastic about the exciting structure that we have in mind and are confident that when we get the all clear to start up again we will be good to go.

“Do make contact if you would like to be part of the next stage of our journey.”

Williams added: “I’m going to miss the club greatly and hopefully when we’re not playing on the same day, I will be back at Kingsey Road to watch with a beer in my hand.

“There’s no way I can just leave Chinnor without saying my farewells, so see you on the sidelines in pre-season whenever that will be.”