London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith has been released from his contract early "on compassionate grounds".
He's to return to Australia for family reasons. It was Smith's second spell in charge of the Exiles, who are second from bottom in the Premiership.
London Irish say forwards coach Glenn Delaney will take over until the end of the season, but reports elsewhere suggest Kildare man Bob Casey, their former lock and an ex-Ireland international, will be in charge of playing affairs.
Smith said in a statement on the London Irish website: “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.”
London Irish says they will confirm a new head coach for next season “in due course”.
“He led us to the greatest experience we’ve had to date of European rugby and introduced some great players to the Club,” Exiles executive chairman David FitzGerald added in the statement.
“We believe that, following Sunday’s results at Madejski Stadium and Kingston Park, our Premiership status for next season is more or less secure and allows us to focus on preparing for next season.”
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