Former Ireland international Geordan Murphy has left his role as Director of Rugby at Leicester Tigers, ending his 23-year association with the English club.
Murphy has been in the role since July of this year, having perviously acted as the club's coach. He also spent his entire playing career with Leicester, signing as a teenager in 1997.
According to a statement released by the club, the two parties had been in negotiations about a new contract, but it was ultimately decided that the 42-year old would leave by mutual consent.
Speaking after the news was announced, Murphy took the time to thank all those who had made his long stay at the club such a success.
As well as my family here in Leicester, and all of our friends, I want to thank my family and friends in Ireland for their support throughout my career at Tigers as a player and coach in the good and bad times.
I have spent 23 great years at Leicester Tigers and forged great friendships with people throughout that entire period.
I’m most proud of the respect I earned from my team-mates and colleagues, and I’m grateful to all of them for how they have helped me, supported me and shared in my time at this club.
Winning has been the easy part. It is when things are not going well, when you are losing and having to get back up every day and put on a brave face, that you know who your friends are and, to all of those who supported me through those times, those are the friends I will have for life.
I wish the club the very best for the future on and off the pitch, and say thank you to the supporters who have been a part of my life for more than 20 years.
It was a difficult campaign for Leicester, who would finish second from bottom in the Gallagher Premiership last season. They only survived in the division thanks to Saracen's massive points reduction.
It has been suggested that not all is well at the club, with board member and Tigers legend Rory Underwood also leaving last week.
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