Wednesday 25 February 2015 11:43, UK
Cardiff Blues have announced rugby director Mark Hammett is to leave the club.
The former New Zealand international, who has been in charge for just six months, has revealed he is keen to 'return home with his family at the earliest opportunity, for personal reasons'.
The Blues are 10th in the Guinness PRO12, with just four wins from 15 games, and they were beaten 40-24 by fellow strugglers Treviso last week in what turned out to be Hammett's final game at the helm.
The Blues' current coaching staff, headed by former Wales internationals Paul John and Dale McIntosh, will now take charge, starting with next Sunday's league game against Edinburgh.
Hammett told the club's website: "I have enjoyed my time with Cardiff Blues and it was always my intention to bring success to the region over the full length of my contract. However, I must put my family first and therefore it is with regret that I am leaving the role.
"I'd like thank Peter Thomas and the Board of Directors for their support in allowing me to return home as soon as possible. I would also like to pay tribute to the amazing fans at Cardiff Blues for their backing throughout my time here and I hope they understand the difficult decision I have now made."
Chief executive Richard Holland said: "We were naturally very disappointed and surprised when Mark informed us of his decision. However, we fully understand the personal reasons he has given and he has our full support.
"We appointed Mark last summer as part of a long-term vision for Cardiff Blues. He has worked tirelessly in the role since his arrival in Wales and we always felt Mark was the right man to take us forward, right up until his decision to leave.
"Mark has made a number of positive changes that will benefit our region for years to come. He leaves us in a stronger position than when he arrived and I'd like to thank him for his contribution during this season.
"Having spoken to Mark at length, I know he's not taken this decision lightly. However he feels he must return to New Zealand. We fully respect the decision he has made with his family and, on behalf of all the staff at Cardiff Blues, I wish them every success in the future."
