WELLINGTON’S vice-captain last season Jack Richards is taking a break from rugby as he concentrates on a new business.

“Jack has told us he cannot afford to get injured and that’s perfectly understandable,” said Wellington coach Allyn Chetland. “He’s a very good player but we fully understand his situation.”

Richards, who came up through the club’s youth set-up along with a number of the current first team, was a regular in the side which won Western Counties West and promotion to South West One (W). He has already been sidelined with injuries this season.

Meanwhile, Wellington will be looking to end an enforced five-week break when they play away tomorrow (Sat) against bottom side Old Patesians who gained a 27-25 home win over North Petherton last weekend - their first victory of the season.

Wellington, who have lost their last five matches, will be chasing a double, having beaten Old Pats 24-21 at the Athletic Ground towards the end of September.

“It’s an important game but then all games are important,” added Chetland who revealed that the RFU are looking at ‘re-jigging’ the leagues at the end of the season.

“We don’t know what is going to happen but we will be affected in some way.”

Back row Will Hinchcliffe, another first team regular, misses the game because he will be moving house.

Wellington slipped to 11th in the table after Sidmouth moved above them following their 24-10 home win over Newent last weekend. It also means Old Pats are now only four points behind them, both sides having played the same number of games.

“We know that results have been frustrating after a brilliant start but we will be looking to finish as high as we can despite what happens at the end of the season,” said Chetland.

Wellington 2nd XV, bottom of Somerset One, are home to 100 per centers Chew Valley

Wiveliscombe, who lost 19-14 away to Paignton in the last game in Western Counties West before Christmas, are away to Penryn, who lost 29-21 when they played at The Rec in September.

Wiveliscombe’s 2nd XV, lying second in Somerset Two South, are home to Martock who are in minus-points territory at the bottom of the table