The veteran coach confirmed this week that his Level 3 coaching accreditation runs out in December and he won't seek to renew it.

That means the full time whistle has sounded on his first grade coaching career with Forbes, but don't think for a second he'll walk away from the Forbes Platypi Rugby Club.

"Phil Kearns once said, 'rugby's not a sport, it's a way of life', and that about sums it up for me for sure," Prior said.

"It's been a wonderful journey."

Prior has been part of the Platypi family for 41 years. He played from 1981 to 1986 and he's been coaching for years.

He remembers when the clubhouse was "a shoebox on four steel beams" and players trained under a single light on the Lake-side ovals.

"It's a very, very big part of my life and my family's life," he said, reflecting on the involvement of his dad, his brother Mick and sister Tracey.

"Judy and I sadly never had children and the rugby boys and girls are our kids - that's the way I've treated them.

"But I think it's time. The fire still burns but I think it's time to let someone else have a go.

"I will certainly walk them through anything that needs to be done, I'd certainly be there in some unofficial role, but I think it's time to commit my time to others."

Prior can only describe his time with the club as "a wonderful journey" even if this final year has been a bit of a rollercoaster from opening round triumph to a mid-season slump with a high injury toll.

"From the year before where we were wooden spooners to finish where we did in fourth I think is quite remarkable," he reflected this week.

"I enjoyed it immensely - they're a great bunch of blokes, and the girls are a great bunch.

"The club is in a great spot, like every country club we could do with a few more players but we are in pretty good stead for a little club."

It wouldn't be possible to reflect on the history of rugby union in Forbes and not acknowledge the loss of three players - Greg Sanderson, Paul Cronin and Brad Ridley - in the Bali bombings on an end-of-season trip in 2002.

Prior felt the loss not only to the club but to the whole community, Cronin was also his apprentice in the butcher shop he managed at the time.

Sanderson, Cronin and Ridley will never be forgotten, and it was incredible for Prior the following year to watch the numbers coming along to training swell and the momentum build through the season.

"To win the grand final after that was a very special time, it brought everyone together," he reflected.

He added the club had solid support from Australian Rugby Union as they sought to come to terms with what had happened and find a way forward both individually and as a club.

"They were very prompt with help," he said.

The club has had its years "riding the top of the wave" and its years of struggle.

"That's the cycle in a small town," Prior says philosophically.

Prior added he's really appreciated the opportunities that have come his way and the people he's worked with.

"I have been so lucky to have so many great committees: if off-field is good then on-field usually goes hand in hand," he said.

"Rhys (Woods) is a smart boy and a good leader.

"I've been so lucky especially in the last six or seven years to coach with Heamani Lavaka - he's played a couple of World Cups for Tonga.

"I didn't think I'd ever meet anyone as passionate about rugby as I am but Heamani is right up there. He is so astute. He'll sit down and watch a video, watch it and watch it.

"We work very well as a team and it was a privilege to spend time with him."

Hare's not just a terrific coach, he's a good club man as well.

"Without him the fire in the past five years just wouldn't have burned as bright," Prior said.

"He and Mahe (Fangupo) are a big plus for Forbes rugby club."

We would add that the Prior family is a pretty incredible asset to Forbes Rugby Club as well.

Phil, thank you for everything and we'll see you at Grinsted Oval next year in whatever capacity.