JACK Matthews’ 60-year formal association with Taunton Rugby Club came to an end last week, when he retired as club president.

Matthews has fulfilled just about every role possible during his time at the club, from player to captain, committee member to chairman and, over two spells during the past 19 years, president.

The President’s Suite at the Commsplus Stadium will be renamed the Jack Matthews Suite to mark his service over six decades.

Dick Macey, the incoming president who formally took over at last Wednesday’s AGM, said: “Jack has been a tremendous servant to the club.

“He has overseen quite a transition during his time, perhaps most notably the move from our old ground on Priory Bridge Road to the smart set-up we have today.

“He has declared that he is still available to help out and will remain a keen supporter of the club, so we all look forward to continuing to see him around.”

Macey said he was “proud and honoured” to enter into his new role as president and drew attention to the thriving rugby scene in the town at present.

“It is a great time to be involved with the club when we are moving forward in such a way,” he said.

“This year, we will have four senior teams - the Titans, at National League level, the Warriors in a new league set up by the RFU, the ‘Twos’ in Somerset 1 and the newly-created ‘Threes’ in Somerset 3 South.

“The Colts will feed into all of those teams with the aim of continuing to produce and retain top local players, as well as helping people progress further into senior rugby.

“We have seen 28 players who have played with us and now play at a higher level, including full internationals such as Sam Skinner and Ben Moon.”

The AGM also saw the club’s management committee streamlined through the creation of new, more specific roles for individuals.

Director of rugby Keith Brooking is to leave the club at the end of the month to take up a new role within the Exeter Chiefs academy.

The Titans play their first pre-season friendly against National 1 side Plymouth Albion at the Commsplus Stadium on Saturday, August 17.

They then travel across the bridge to play Cardiff Met on the 24th.

The final warm-up will be on August 31 against Ivybridge at the Commsplus Stadium (ko 3pm).

The Titans' league programme begins with two home games - against Bournemouth on September 7, then Redruth the following Saturday (both matches kick off at 3pm).