Leeds Rhinos have announced that Head Coach David Furner will leave the club with immediate effect.

Over the weekend, Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield and Chief Executive Gary Hetherington met with Furner and it was decided that the club needed to go in a fresh direction.

The Rhinos are currently third from bottom of the Betfred Super League having lost ten of their opening 14 games this season.

Leeds play Bradford Bulls this Saturday in the Coral Challenge Cup Sixth Round at Odsal Stadium. Assistant Coach Richard Agar will take charge on an interim basis.

Commenting on the decision Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said, “This was a very difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly. 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,” added Sinfield.

Chief Executive Gary Hetherington added, “This season has been really disappointing so far with team performances well below what we expected. 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.”