Justin Hickey is stepping down from his post as Head Coach of Clemson University's Men's rugby team.

After leading Clemson to back-to-back ACRL championships and leading Clemson through to an upset win over Arkansas State in the Varsity Cup, Hickey is moving on to other opportunities.

In a statement released by Clemson rugby representatives, Hickey was praised for how Clemson Rugby "developed into a formidable student organization with support from alumni and families through the Clemson Rugby Foundation. 

The statement continued: "Another strong recruiting class will join the Tigers this fall and will surely provide depth to one of the fastest rising collegiate club programs in the country.  The team has graduated few seniors this year from a team that finished in the top 15 in the country and is poised for great success. The student-athletes, the Clemson Rugby Foundation and the Clemson Family wish Coach Hickey the best in all his future endeavors and acknowledge his contribution to their future success."

Hickey is about to finish his PhD in Educational Leadership, and with his wife finishing her studies for her nursing degree, the time seemed right to make the move, Hickey told Goff Rugby Report. 

"The timing is right," said Hickey. "I felt we got the program to a good place. The budget for the program has multiplied by five. We have an excellent alumni system in place. It was a difficult decision, but it's the right time."

Hickey's star is on the rise after a very strong 2014-15 season. He said he is looking for a coaching opportunity, and his doctorate strongly implies he's looking ahead to an Athletic Director job or something similar in the coming years. With both Hickey and his wife free to make key career decisions together, they have some flexibility.

Meanwhile, Clemson Rugby needs a new coach.

Clemson Rugby and the Clemson Rugby Foundation have identified several coaching candidates and are still looking for more. 

Said the Clemson Rugby announcement: "The next coach will inherit an exceptional cast of student-athletes that come to the Tigers from all over the country as well as new facilities, a dedicated Athletic Trainer and incredible financial support.  Clemson is a top 25 public university and the Tiger Paw is the most recognizable logo in all of collegiate sports.  The Clemson Rugby Foundation is one of the leading collegiate rugby support organizations and is dedicated to assist the Clemson Rugby Club in its goal to create an exceptional student experience."