Furner sacked after miserable Leeds tenure

Head coach David Furner has been sacked by Leeds Rhinos, the club have announced.

Leeds are 10th in the Super League, having spent some time at the foot of the table in a poor season that has returned just four wins from 14 games.

The Rhinos stated that director of rugby Kevin Sinfield and chief executive Gary Hetherington met with Furner at the weekend and decided to part ways with the coach.

Furner had signed a three-year deal with Leeds at the start of the season.

Sinfield said: "This was a very difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly. David was an outstanding candidate to be our head coach and was my first choice for the job.

Leeds Rhinos part company with Head Coach David Furner https://t.co/Tz9ACPclvY pic.twitter.com/RGNPEoP7KE

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) May 7, 2019

"Unfortunately, we have not started the season as we had all hoped and action was needed to move in a fresh direction with this group of players this season."

Richard Agar is to step in as interim head coach, with Sinfield stressing that the club would not rush a decision on a permanent appointment.