NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLC are seeking a new head coach to take the club into their new summer era.

Jack Stearman, the former York City Knights prop, has stood down as player-boss after three years at the helm, having first taken the reins prior to the 2013/14 winter season in the Pennine League.

The 28-year-old is to continue as a player in the All Blacks pack, but it leaves the club seeking a new chief as they prepare for a debut season in the summer game - the White Rose Avenue outfit having applied to join neighbours Heworth, York Lokomotive and York Acorn 'A' in the Yorkshire Men's League. They are likely to be placed in division one.

Stearman said he wanted to hand the reins over so he could concentrate on playing.

“It has been a good three years for me in terms of personal and club development," he said.

"However, with commitments off the rugby field I don’t think that I will be able to do the lads the justice they deserve in terms of coaching.

"I will be giving 100 per cent to the playing side for next year’s exciting season.”

In addition to switching to summer rugby, All Blacks will be looking to bring back a second open-age side in 2018. They currently have one senior side, along with a full range of juniors from under-8s to U17s.

A club statement said of the coaching role: "The successful applicant will be expected to commit to two nights per week plus Saturday matchdays from February until September, based on fixtures.

"There will also be expenses available to the successful applicant."

More information about the role can be obtained by phoning Stearman on 07807 498879 or by emailing chair@neab.co.uk.

All Blacks quit the Pennine League in September prior to the current winter season.

Their last two campaigns had been disrupted by various Pennine League reorganisations, some in mid-season, plus the departure of other teams to summer rugby and bad weather causing several other games to be postponed.

The knock-on effect saw players become unavailable when matches finally came around, with All Blacks having to forfeit points after failing to raise a side.

The decision to switch to summer was made by the players and backed by club chiefs.

Additionally, the junior teams already play summer rugby and this move provides more natural continuity into open-age rugby.