PLAYMAKER Mark Woodrow has quit Cinderford to rejoin Championship strugglers Birmingham & Solihull.

Woodrow and Jake Boer were Cinderford's flagship summer signings, but now neither are around to help steer the club away from the National One drop zone.

Fly-half Woodrow (pictured) came to the club from Italian Super 10 outfit Viadana.

In 2004 he led Birmingham & Solihull to one of the biggest upsets in Powergen Cup history by kicking 24 points in a famous 28-24 win over London Wasps.

He subsequently helped Bristol climb into the Premiership.

Woodrow told The Forester: "It's not a decision I came to lightly.

"I knew there was an opportunity to go to Birmingham a month ago because they needed a 10.

"It won't matter what I say and people will think what they want, but I'm 30 and I want to give the Championship another crack. It could be my last chance. Hopefully people will understand that I aspire to play the best rugby I can.

"I'm disappointed to be leaving Cinderford like this because they are a great club, but I don't want to be looking back with regrets in two or three years time.

"Part of me still feels bad but I've made my bed, now it's up to me to lie in it."

Cinderford director of rugby Andy Deacon admitted he was hugely disappointed to be losing Woodrow – one of the top four points scorers in National League One this season.

Deacon said: "Losing Mark does weaken the squad but I'm not going to dwell on it because I want players who want to be here.

"Mark Davies will now get his chance to play at 10."