CRAIG Burrows has stepped down as Oxfordshire head coach after six years in charge.

The Welshman, who guided the side to an historic victory at Twickenham in 2017, leaves the county set-up due to family and work commitments.

Assistants James Cathcart and Tom Whelan have also decided to call it a day.

Burrows, who is in his second spell as head coach at Southern Counties South side Grove, believes it was the right time to move on.

He said: “I’ve been involved with the county for about the last 15 years as a player, captain, forwards coach and head coach.

“I first left Grove two years ago due to family and work and that’s the main reason for this decision.

“It just prolongs the season for another couple of months which makes it quite hard because you literally only have June off.

“We got to a point where myself and my coaching team had decided we had been involved for six years and we would be able to leave it in a very positive state.”

Oxon beat Sussex at Twickenham in May 2017 to win Division 3 of the Bill Beaumont County Championship.

That historic victory will always be special to Burrows.

He said: “That was definitely a highlight.

“Our target was to get back to Twickenham (after defeat in 2006) and to be the first Oxfordshire team to win it.

“I’ll always remember my first game, it was Surrey away and we were scrambling around for players, begging them to play, in the morning.

“We wanted people to want to play for their county and I think that’s what we’ve got now.”

Oxon RFU’s chair of representative rugby Doug Bosley said: “The county are extremely grateful for the service Craig has given to the senior XV over many seasons.

“He has built a successful side that went to Twickenham and brought back the county championship in 2017.

“Although sorry to see him go, with his commitment to Grove and his family, the county understands his decision to stand down.

“The county would also like to take the opportunity to thank both assistant coaches James Cathcart and Tom Whelan who have also taken the decision to stand down due to family commitments.

“On a personal note, I would like to say that it has been a pleasure to work with all three coaches.”

Burrows added: “I’d like to thank my coaches Tom and James for all their hard work and Doug and (president) Jenny Bosley for their support.”