LONDON, Ont. - The Western Mustangs men's rugby team will be seeking a new head coach after Tony Roes stepped away announced he will step away from head coaching duties due to personal career and family commitments in his hometown of Stratford, Ont., and workplace of Listowel, Ont.

The Department of Sports and Recreation Services at The University of Western Ontario would like to thank Tony for his three years of service as head coach, along with his five years as a player on the varsity rugby team.

Western has begun a search to find a suitable replacement.

"We would like to thank Tony for his hard work as both a committed coach-teacher with the men's rugby program," said Chuck Mathies. "We wish him success in his future endeavours and appreciate his loyalty to running a program which continues to compete for the OUA championship on an annual basis."

Roes guided the Mustangs to three medals including a silver in 2009, bronze in 2008 and bronze in his first year in 2007.

"This was a very difficult decision for me having spent seven of the past nine years involved in Western rugby as a player and coach," Roes said. "Unfortunately, the time commitment, in particular the travel, has put a significant strain on my family life and with friends, not to mention my teaching career. I often felt like I was stretched too thin whether at work, coaching or in my personal life, and I was doing none of my responsibilities to the best of my abilities."

Any parties interested in head coaching opportunity should email their resume and covering letter to Chuck Mathies, Manager of Athletics, at cmathie@uwo.ca. 

"Tony spent many hours driving to and from his teaching career in Listowel and his hometown of Stratford. We respect his wishes to be closer to home and work and his family," Mathies said.

Roes said he was grateful for the opportunity.

"I would like to thank everyone at Western for giving me the opportunity to be apart of such a great rugby program and university," Roes said. "I would also like to thank the players - players are what make the program at Western what it is today. And the relationships built with these young men over the past three years is truly what I enjoyed most about my time here."

Roes has indicated he would like to remain involved in the transition of the program.

"Moving forward the program is very optimistic with a solid management team in place, with clear direction and goals for the future," Roes said. "Anyone joining Western, whether as a coach or player can be certain they are entering an outstanding program which will continue to develop players as individuals and athletes and will no doubt be successful for years to come."