BANBURY Bulls head coach Grant Holmes is to step down at the end of the season.

The New Zealander, in charge since 2007, led Bulls to the Midlands 2 East South title last season, but his side will almost certainly be relegated from Midlands 1 West, having won only three times in 2010-11.

  • OXFORD-based sevens team Flair Bears are hoping to transfer their success from land to sand when they play in an international beach rugby tournament.

Flair Bears are the only English side selected to compete in the event at Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy on July 16 and 17.

Having formed in 2009, they have twice won the Oxford Sevens and reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals of national sevens tournaments in Newquay, and London (Rugby Rocks) respectively.

Flair Bears, who have many Oxford Brookes students in their ranks, are looking for a main sponsor. Contact Barty Hills on barty.hills@googlemail.com.