Director of Rugby Nick Kennedy leaves London Irish with immediate effect

London Irish have today confirmed that director of rugby Nick Kennedy is leaving the club with immediate effect.

The club released a statement saying: "Kennedy had been given the opportunity to remain in his position to work alongside new technical consultant Declan Kidney and head coach Les Kiss. However, after taking time to consider his options Kennedy has requested to leave the club, and the London Irish management has reluctantly accepted his resignation."

Kennedy took up the role of director of rugby in the summer of 2016, having re-joined the club as academy director in 2014 after short spells at Harlequins and Toulon.

“Nick will always be a major figure in the London Irish history books,” said Mick Crossan, London Irish’s president and majority shareholder.

“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.”

Kennedy made more than 200 appearances for London Irish’s first team in a decade-long playing career that also included seven England caps and an appearance in the 2009 Aviva Premiership final.