SWINDON Storm head coach Steve Bennett was forced to leave behind the two things he loves most earlier this week when he flew out for a four-month tour of Afghanistan.

The RAF weapons technician is embarking on what is his seventh tour with the Air Force following four in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, meaning he will miss the rest of his team’s debut season having fought for four years to earn a place in the BAFL structure.

Bennett only married long-term partner Cheryl in Cyprus at the end of May, and while he insisted leaving her behind again is going to be difficult, he admitted missing out on the second half of his side’s debut season would be tough too.

“This is the third time I’ve been away since I’ve been with Cheryl, and while it’s never easy she is getting used to it and absence makes the heart grow fonder,” he said.

“It’s the second time I’ve gone and left the team, but the first time we weren’t in the league and were battling to get full membership, but this time they are really going to need to step up.

“In a way it’s hard to go because I have spent so much time getting the team off the ground, but it’s my job and I know the club’s in good hands.

“I will do my best help in an advisory role while I’m out there because the internet on the base is better than what I have at home, and when I’m not doing 12-hour shifts I will do all I can to help the team.”

Offensive co-ordinator Nick White is taking over Bennett’s role as head coach, with injured quarterback Paul Kent taking his place with the offence, and Bennett believes the assistant coaches will do a good job in his absence.

“They all have experience from previous teams and have played a long time, and they are all lifelong fans which help,” he said.

“They have all played and coached in a dozen games of football now so they have a good understanding, and they know exactly what it’s all about.

“They need to be able to react and keep their wits about them because there is so much that can change so quickly in games.”