Leeds Rhinos have sacked head coach David Furner after just 14 Super League games in charge.
The 2017 champions have endured a nightmare start to the season and have won just four games.
Richard Agar will act as interim head coach while the club look for a permanent replacement.
“This was a very difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly,” Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said.
“David was an outstanding candidate to be our Head Coach and was my first choice for the job.
“Unfortunately, we have not started the season as we had all hoped and action was needed to move in a fresh direction with this group of players this season.
“I would like to thank David for his commitment to the club especially the sacrifices he made to travel from his home in Australia to take up our challenge.
“Richard Agar will act as interim Head Coach for the time being. We are fortunate to have a coach of his experience already on our staff which means we do not need to rush into making a permanent appointment.”
Furner, 47, left his role as South Sydney Rabbitohs’ assistant coach to take up the position with the Rhinos prior to the season, having won the Super League title with the club as a player in 2014.
But his spell at Headingley on this occasion was not as successful with the eight-time Super League champions eager to challenge for honours after a golden generation has been and gone.
“This season has been really disappointing so far with team performances well below what we expected,” Chief Executive Gary Hetherington added.
“When Kevin returned to the Club last summer his primary focus was to restore the team to challenge for honours and he has the full support of our Board to do this.”
