Gloucester sack Nigel Davies

Gloucester confirmed this morning that Director of Rugby Nigel Davies has left the club with immediate effect.
Davies, who moved to Kingsholm from the Scarlets in June 2012, departs after a season in which Gloucester finished a disappointing 9th place in the Aviva Premiership table.
His final game in charge was Saturday’s 27-28 defeat away at Worcester, just the already relegated Warriors’ second league victory of the season.
CEO Stephen Vaughan said: “Following extensive discussions between members of the Gloucester Rugby board with regards to the future direction of the playing department, the club has decided to part company with Director of Rugby Nigel Davies.
“It has been a tremendously difficult decision to reach. Nigel is a man who I personally have come to like and respect very much during my time at the club. He has worked tirelessly at his role over the past two seasons, he has been an excellent ambassador for the club and understands the expectation and levels we need to be performing at.
“However, playing performances and results during 2013-14 were a big disappointment to everyone at the club, As a result, the board has decided that the future interests of the team would be best served with a different individual in charge of team affairs.
“We have clear aspirations to be a top four side and that must drive our decision making process.
“The search for Nigel’s successor begins today, and we will leave no stone unturned in our quest to find the right man for the job.
“We believe that the Director of Rugby role at Gloucester Rugby is one of the most prestigious in club rugby, and we’re expecting interest from a high calibre of applicants worldwide.
“The player recruitment and retention that we have carried out over the past few months means that the successful applicant will have a top quality squad to work with next season, and they will be joining a club that is in great shape away from the playing field.
“I would like to place on record mine and the rest of the board’s thanks to Nigel for his hard work and his contribution over the past two seasons, and wish him well for the future. He will always be welcome at Kingsholm, and I have no doubt that he will do a good job wherever he goes from here.”