Dumas will keep his registration as a player in case he is needed

Telford Tigers favourite Claude Dumas has announced he is to retire from playing - but he will stay on as coach.

"I've had a great career and I am happy with what I have achieved as a player," said the 41-year-old French-Canadian.

"The last few years the team has worked with limited resources so I've taken on both jobs, but I feel that now is time to concentrate on just the coaching."

Dumas, who took on the player-coach role in 2003, tried to retire before, but his goals made him indispensable.

He will register as a player in case of emergencies, but does not plan to play again.

"I have had a great career and I am happy with what I have achieved as a player."

Dumas first came to Telford in 1995 and instantly became a popular figure with more than 230 points in his first season at Telford.

I really appreciate the sacrifices Claude has made for this club in recent years, and I am very excited about the season ahead Telford team manager Dave Candlin

He said: "I will still register as a player, in case of injuries, and I am still training because I like to keep myself in shape.

"But the difference is, we want to register four imports for the team and let me concentrate on coaching."

Team manager Dave Candlin said: "I have always believed that Claude was technically the right man for the coaching position in Telford. The fact that he has also been our top goal-scorer over the past four seasons has been an added bonus for the club.

"I really appreciate the sacrifices Claude has made for this club in recent years, and I am very excited about the season ahead. I believe having Claude concentrating on coaching will make a big difference to the team."