The Ospreys have dismissed head coach Steve Tandy midway through an under-achieving season.
The region announced on Monday afternoon they were parting company with Tandy after six years in the job – despite a recent upturn in both results and performances.
It is the first time the region have got rid of their coach midway through a campaign.
With the team sitting bottom but one of Conference A in the Guinness Pro14 and out of the European Champions Cup at the pool stages, the Ospreys board have decided to ditch their head coach with immediate effect.
But the timing is strange, not least because Tandy has overseen something of a turnaround in recent weeks, with just two defeats in their last seven matches and a gutsy draw with European champions Saracens that took their hopes of a quarter-final place into the last weekend.
But last Saturday’s 24-7 defeat at Clermont Auvergne – which knocked Tandy’s side out of the competition – proved to be his last game in charge, with two years remaining on his current contract.
Ospreys managing director Andrew Millward said: “This is not a decision that has been taken lightly.
“Steve has been an integral part of everything we have achieved over the last six years — from winning the PRO12 in his first season in charge to helping develop a strong core of players from our academy — and before that as a player.
“Steve will always remain a respected figure within the Ospreys family and will always be welcomed back to Liberty Stadium as a true friend of the region. We wish him every success for the future.
“Steve has been an outstanding servant to Ospreys Rugby, often in challenging circumstances,” said Millward.
“His dedication to the region and his hard work has been absolute.
“However, we’re aware that results have not been good enough this season and that, regrettably, a change is necessary to keep the organisation moving forward – consistent with the long-term expectations of our loyal and valued supporters and commercial partners.
“In line with this, we will also continue to closely review our entire rugby operation during the coming weeks.”
“While our long-term focus is now on finding a world-class replacement and continue building a squad for next season, we have a busy end of season Guinness PRO14 run-in for the coaches and players to focus on.”
Tandy, 38, replaced Sean Holley in February 2012 and led the Ospreys to the Pro 12 title later that season, the only silverware of his reign.
At the start of this season the region stated Tandy would be in charge until at least 2020, but the team has struggled in the Pro14.
Backs coach Griff Rhys announced earlier in the season he would be leaving at the end of the season after 13 years with the Swansea-based region.
