NICK Bartlett is stepping down as Lydney' s director of rugby.

Lydney face relegated Barnes at home this Saturday in what Bartlett dubs 'one of the most important games in the club's history'.

Paul Morris will take charge of the Lydney team, knowing a win will guarantee their survival in National Two South.

Bartlett won't be in Lydney this Saturday because he is working as part of a Forces TV commentary team for the Army v Navy clash at Twickenham, which will be screened to servicemen all over the world, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

It's a longstanding commitment which he made before he knew how important this final Lydney game would be.

Bartlett, who captained the Navy team in the 1990s, said: "I didn't think I'd be in this situation.

"The Army v Navy game is the biggest sporting fixture on the Forces calendar, it's massive, and there will be 60,000 people at Twickenham.

"Having said that, there's so much at stake for Lydney.

"There would be huge implications for the club if they dropped out of this league. It's almost unthinkable.

"It's possible that Lydney could lose and still stay up, but that can't be the mindset."

Bartlett made up his mind to step down as director of rugby months ago.

"I haven't had a break in 27 years and I need one," he said.

"I've got a family growing up and need to take a bit of time out. It's not a sudden decision.

"What we've achieved on a shoestring is incredible and the players deserve a lot of the credit.

"A lot of fantastic clubs have fallen by the wayside, including the likes of Newbury, Bridgwater, Havant, Canterbury, Chinnor and North Walsham.

"It's crucial for the town, the community and the club that we stay up."

Lydney's match with Barnes will kick-off an hour earlier than usual at 2pm.