Director of rugby Nick Kennedy leaves London Irish amid coaching shake-up

The 35-year-old has been in the role since the summer of 2016, having been academy director for the two previous years

Nick Kennedy has left his role with immediate effect (Getty)

Nick Kennedy has left his post as director of rugby at London Irish.

The 35-year-old had been given the option of remaining in the post alongside new technical consultant Declan Kidney and head coach Les Kiss but has requested to leave the Aviva Premiership club immediately.

Kennedy has been in the role since the summer of 2016, having been academy director for the two previous years.

"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."