Wasps confirm Young exit after nine-year reign

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young is to leave the Premiership club after a nine-year reign, saying it is "the right time" to move on.

Young last week stepped back from first-team duties in a surprise move that saw Lee Blackett become the Premiership club's interim head coach.

The end of an era for Wasps was confirmed on Tuesday when Young's departure was confirmed by the club.

Former Wales and Lions prop Young joined Wasps in 2011 from Welsh region Cardiff Blues, and his son Thomas is part of the current squad.

Director of Rugby Dai Young is set to leave Wasps after almost nine seasons with the Club. #OnceAWaspAlwaysAWasp https://t.co/oblbzfi6Bp pic.twitter.com/HzqKABZWvM

— Wasps Rugby (@WaspsRugby) February 18, 2020

Young, who has been linked with the Ospreys, said: "It will be tough to leave a club and group of people that has meant so much to me over the past decade, but I feel this is the right time for both the club and for myself."

He added: "Wasps has been a huge part of my life and I wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the future."

The 52-year-old led the Coventry-based team to the Premiership final in 2017, when they topped the regular-season standings but suffered an agonising 23-20 defeat after extra-time against Exeter Chiefs in the final at Twickenham.

They finished third in 2016 and 2018 but were eighth last season and sit 10th this term.