Marinos to leave Newport

Dragons CEO and former Welsh international Andy Marinos has announced his intention to depart Rodney Parade at the end of this season.

In a statement released on Friday, Marinos apologised to the Dragons supporters, and cited family reasons to be behind his decision.

"I feel I have to look after the best interests of my family and I. I have therefore decided to resign as Chief Executive of The Dragons, Newport RFC and its holding company Rodney Parade Ltd," read the statement.

"My family and I have had a tremendous six years with firstly Newport and then The Dragons and living in South Wales. However, I now feel that the time is right to return to South Africa and look to explore other opportunities hopefully within rugby.

"While the transition to Regionalisation has not always been smooth, the Region has finished third and fourth respectively in the last two seasons while last year Newport RFC won the Premiership and this year look to finish second.

"I sincerely hope by putting financial and procedural policies in place and presenting a balanced budget for the 2005/06 season, that who ever takes over will with the present Directors, players and staff continue to be able to take the Region and Club forward. I wish them and both teams at Rodney Parade every success for the future.

"I would wish to thank the players, Directors, staff, supporters and sponsors who have supported me throughout my time here and especially in my last year as CEO. A special thanks also goes to Tony Brown who facilitated my move to Newport in the first place."

Marinos' departure is not a total surprise, the rumour has been circulating for a couple of months now. His departure could also pave the way for Percy Montgomery to depart as well, either to France or to his native South Africa.

Montgomery said in an interview during last year's tri-Nations how much he believed Marinos had helped with the set-up at Rodney Parade, and how much easier life had been there since Marinos had taken on the role.