London Irish director of rugby Nick Kennedy has left the club with immediate effect.
Having spent 11 years as an Exiles player between 2001 and 2012, Kennedy took up the reins as the leading coach of the first team in 2016 following a successful spell with the academy.
And he guided Irish to Championship glory at the first time of asking but has struggled to replicate that form this year back in the Premiership with the club rooted to the foot of the table.
A new technical consultant in Declan Kidney and head coach Les Kiss arrived last week but Kennedy, 35, was offered to continue within the coaching set-up.
However, he has decided to leave the club.
“London Irish will always have a special place in my heart,” said Kennedy.
“This was not a decision I made lightly as there are a great bunch of coaches and players at Hazelwood.
“I’m proud I helped change the academy from a two star to a five star RFU rating and to have gone undefeated for a season to win the U18 Premiership Rugby title.
“I’m proud we won the Championship at the first time of asking, only losing one game all season, and I’m very proud of the players and how they fought to the end of every game.
“I’d also like to thank the fans for their outstanding support over the years and I hope that they will be enjoying success in the future.”
Exiles president and majority shareholder Mick Crossan added: “Nick will always be a major figure in the London Irish history books.
“He was an excellent player and we believed that he had a promising career in front of him as a coach, which we had hoped that he would fulfil under the guidance of Declan Kidney and Les Kiss.
“So we’re disappointed that he has decided to move on.
“However, we have accepted his decision and wish him all the best for the future.”
