The NSW Waratahs have axed head coach Rob Penney, effective immediately.
The board's decision was made after consultation with chief executive Paul Doorn and the high-performance committee following five consecutive defeats, three of which were record losses, and on the back of last night's 46-12 thumping at the hands of the Queensland Reds.
"The decision to part ways with Penney was not taken lightly," Doorn said in a Waratahs statement. "Being the coach of the NSW Waratahs is one of the most high-profile and high-pressure roles in Australian rugby.
"Rob is extremely professional and has put a great deal of effort into the role. However, the on-field performances this season have not met expectations and we feel that, in the best interests of the Waratahs, now is the time to make a change.
"Waratahs assistant coaches Jason Gilmore and Chris Whitaker have been named as co-interim head coaches for the remainder of the 2021 season.
Doorn thanked Penney for his involvement in developing young talent at the club, citing 'many of whom will become household names for the Waratahs in the future'.
"His commitment and concern for the players through a disruptive season and amid trying circumstances is testament to his character and we wish him and his family all the best for the future," Doorn said.
Former Waratahs and Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell was critical of the decision on social media.
"The coach was never the biggest issue," he tweeted.
https://twitter.com/drew_mitchell/status/1376153283614494721
"Just a case of making a decision to make it look like something is being done imo [in my opinion]"
The Waratahs will begin the Gilmore/Whitaker regime on Friday with a match against the Brumbies – who inflicted a record 61-10 defeat on NSW when they met in February.
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