Titans back to square one in hunt for coach

On the day that their previous coach, Richard Pybus, severed his ties with Middlesex five months into a three-year deal, Titans announced that they were still looking for his successor.

They had hoped to name their new coach this week, but "an unforeseen circumstance, totally beyond our control" wrecked the deal, according to Elise Lombard, their chief executive. The franchise are now going through all applications again and do not expect to be in a position to make any appointment until late next month.

In the meantime, Chris van Noordwyk, who is the assistant coach, is taking charge of coaching duties.

Titans will not name a new captain to replace Justin Kemp until the coaching vacancy has been filled.