LONDON Irish Director of Rugby Brian Smith has left the club with immediate effect.
Smith’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but he was given permission for an early release to return to Australia for family reasons.
The Exiles, who beat Exeter 28-26 on Sunday, are 11th in the Premiership table with just four wins this season.
The former Ireland international was appointed in March 2012, the second time he had coached the club.
In his first spell between 2005 and 2008, he led the Club to secure third place in the Premiership and to the final of the European Challenge Cup.
He also led the Club to a memorable Heineken Cup semi-final with Toulouse at Twickenham.
Since his return to the Exiles in 2012, times have been more challenging for the club. Whilst Smith has been unable to lift the club to the same level during his second stint, he has ensured that London Irish has retained its Premiership status for three successive seasons.
Smith said: “My family has to be my priority right now which is why I have asked to be released from my contract early. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10 year association with London Irish and will look back on my time with fond memories.”
Glenn Delaney, the Club’s Forwards Coach, has been announced as the interim Head Coach until the end of the season.
