CROSS Keys Rugby Club say money is not a major problem as they go in search of a prominent successor to departed chief coach David Rees.

They have already had interest from coaches based in New Zealand and Canada as well as much closer to home through their internet website.

But they intend to advertise further before deciding whom to interview before a likely announcement in around a fortnight's time.

Keys are looking for one top coach at the moment, despite Rees' assistant, Geraint Jones, also resigning along with fitness coach Marc Sexton.

Team manager David Thomas too tendered his resignation, but has agreed to stay on for the time being at least.

"Even though Cross Keys finished bottom of the Welsh/Scottish League this season, they were the only team in that league to finish the season solvent," said club secretary Chris Clarke.

"So money isn't the greatest concern in the hunt for a new coach. The important thing is getting the right man for the job. We don't intend to stand still in Division One next season.

"We've already had loads of applications, the interest has surprised me. "It's just a matter of looking at all the options available before deciding on interviews and a replacement."

Cardiff Under-21s chief Howard Stone has been among those mentioned in the past week, but Stone has ruled himself out of a move from Cardiff.

Thomas, a Keys player through the 1970s, said of his offer to quit: "I spoke to Chris Clarke, volunteering my resignation, feeling it might be ideal to bring a new team in now. "But he and Colin Vernall (club vice-chairman) have asked me to hang fire until a players' meeting on June 12.

"Regardless of David Rees' decision, I had been thinking of standing down anyway because I've been back at the club seven years now, and that is a long time. "So I'm keeping my options open at the moment."