SENIOR officials at Basingstoke RFC hope to announce the club's new director of rugby by the final home game of the season.

Current director of rugby Ian Calder was told last week his contract would not be extended when it runs out at the end of May.

Basingstoke chairman Dr Steve Tristram said the club wanted to fill the job as quickly as possible to avert an unsettling period.

He said: "We would like to be in a position to announce our new director of rugby by the game against Redruth at Down Grange on April 17.

"We want to avoid a situation where our players and sponsors are wondering, because of uncertainty, about their own futures and whether they want to continue at the club."

Dr Tristram said the club hadn't ruled out the possibility of Calder, who has also been player-coach for three years, staying on in a playing capacity.

He added: "It will probably all depend on what Ruffy decides he wants to do from here."

Kiwi Calder said: "They haven't asked me about that yet, so I can't really comment."

Now he has had a week to come to terms with his time at 'Stoke ending, Calder said: "I am really okay with it now, after the initial surprise.

"I have had a few clubs get in touch and I have to decide what level and coaching capacity I want to be at next season."

Away from off-the-field developments, relegated 'Stoke play their penultimate division three south fixture tomorrow when they travel to Westcombe Park.

Fly-half Calder misses out with the hamstring injury he sustained in the defeat by Barking last weekend.

Further injuries and unavailability have hit the ranks to deplete 'Stoke.

Calder said: "It's the main problem we've had all season and during my time here."

Grant Murdoch makes his starting debut at full-back in Neil Barton's absence, as does Mark Taylor at prop in place of Neil Young.

In a weakened front row, Matt Evans also misses the game. Simon Lovegrove steps in.

Basingstoke: Grant Murdoch; Robbie Holmes, Simon Buckland, Robbie Northcote, Yann Cullum; Matt Lucas, Tom Vincent; Simon Lovegrove, Mark Taylor, Steve Hobden, Ross Stirling, Andy Wilson, Jim Dixon, Simon Appleby, Selwyn St Bernard. Replacements: David Jones, Carl White, Chris Hampson, Christie White.