Lyn Jones has left the Newport Gwent Dragons by mutual consent, according to the region.
Jones has left his role as director of rugby with immediate effect, with head coach Kingsley Jones taking charge for the rest of the season.
The decision follows intense speculation over the director’s position after he missed their most recent two matches – an absence the Dragons said was down to illness.
Dragons chief executive Stuart Davies said: “As a result of Lyn’s absence from work, we brought forward the end of season review.
“Whilst a frustrating and disappointing season is mitigated by a lengthy injury list and a record number of narrow defeats resulting in losing bonus points, both parties agreed it was best for the side that there was a new voice at the helm going forward.
“Taking the decision now affords Kingsley Jones, head coach, the opportunity to look after the side for the remaining games, ahead of us considering our options for next season.”
Lyn Jones, who was spotted at coach-seeking Harlequins during the period the Dragons said he was unwell, missed the victory over Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup, as well as the Guinness Pro12 defeat to the Cardiff Blues.
He said: “While it’s not been without its challenges, I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at the Dragons.
“But with the club transitioning into a new era of potentially new ownership and new investors, the time felt right for me to step aside.
“I’m a passionate rugby man and rugby coaching is in my blood, so there’s nothing that excites me more than helping young talent unlock their potential and become better rugby players.
“At the Dragons, we are seeing the emergence of an exciting generation of youngsters that can give the club a fighting chance of securing a place at the very top end of the game.
“I’m really proud to have played a part in this process.
“It’s been immensely rewarding and I hope that it’ll become the enduring legacy of my time with the Dragons.”
Kingsley Jones, as he did at Gloucester and the Blues, will take charge of the team again when they go to Montpellier in the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell said: “We would like to thank Lyn for all his hard work during his time in charge at the Dragons, and to wish him well in whatever challenge he takes on next.
“Whilst this season may not have quite delivered, we remain very excited about the talented young squad that he has assembled and are grateful to him for all he has done at the region.”