Head coach Lyn Jones leaves London Welsh

Jones wanted to move back to Wales

Lyn Jones has performed minor miracles (Getty Images)

London Welsh have parted company with Lyn Jones after releasing their head coach from the final year of his contract for personal reasons.

The move comes after Jones informed the Exiles, who were relegated from the Aviva Premiership last season, that he wanted to move back home to Wales to be closer to his family.

"It's been an unbelievable journey with London Welsh but sadly - and I do sincerely mean sadly - it now personally draws to a close," Jones said.

"Just when I thought I'd experienced all what the game can offer, London Welsh happened."

The Exiles' debut Premiership season was hamstrung from the start by their late admission into the top flight, giving them minimal time to recruit new players.

A valiant attempt to escape relegation - they finished 10 points adrift of 11th placed Worcester - was ultimately doomed when they were deducted five points for fielding an ineligible player in a judgement they bitterly resented.

"We're very sad to lose Lyn but after several meetings with him it became abundantly clear that he wishes to move back to Wales for very understandable personal reasons," chairman Bleddyn Phillips said.

"We're very fortunate to have had someone of Lyn's calibre as our head coach these past two seasons and we owe him an enormous debt of gratitude for all that he has achieved for us."

Welsh have identified a short list of three to succeed Jones and Phillips expects to make an announcement in the "next few days".

PA