Kelly Brown will stand down from his role as forwards coach at Glasgow Warriors after Sunday’s match against Leinster for family reasons, just eight months after his appointment was announced.

“Relocating during the pandemic has been a real challenge,” explained the former Scotland back-row, who returned to Scotstoun last summer after 10 years as a player and academy coach with Saracens.

“We moved north in the summer and since arriving my family have struggled to settle in Glasgow. An opportunity has come up down south and for the wellbeing of my family we have taken the decision to return.

“My family’s happiness is my number one priority and we have taken the difficult decision to return to London to be closer to where my children grew up and where their friends are.

“Glasgow Warriors will always have a special place in my heart, and I’d like to thank Glasgow and Scottish Rugby for the opportunity and understanding they have shown towards my family and me,” added Brown, who spent three seasons as a player at Scotstoun between 2007 and 2010. “It’s a great club to have been involved with and I believe they have a strong future ahead.”

Warriors head coach Danny Wilson expressed his disappointment at losing Brown, but says he fully supports the decision.

“We are understanding of Kelly’s situation and family has to come first,” said Wilson. “This pandemic has been challenging for everyone. It’s a shame to see Kelly go, especially after such a short period of time with us, however, we are completely understanding of the position he is in and wish him well.”