Phil Davies has confirmed the end of his tenure at Cardiff © PA Photos

Enlarge

Phil Davies has resigned from his position as director of rugby at Cardiff Blues with immediate effect.

After a poor season Davies' fate seemed to be sealed at the weekend, as the Blues went down 15-10 to Zebre - who currently sit at the bottom of the RaboDirect Pro12. The Italian outfit had claimed their first ever league win against Cardiff in the other fixture in September.

The Blues have won just four of their 16 league games this season and lie tenth in the table, the lowest of the four Welsh regions.

Following reports of a crisis meeting at the region on Monday, the Blues later confirmed Davies' resignation. He said: "This is a decision that I've not taken lightly, but one that I've made in view of my future career and my past experiences in professional rugby. I've enjoyed the role and the leadership, processes and the high performance elements. I feel this is the right time for me to look to the next challenge and other opportunities in performance development.

"I would like to thank the chairman, Peter Thomas, for his fantastic support both during my time at the region and also as a player and coach. The support I've always had from him and his family has been fantastic and I'm grateful for that.

"Also I want to thank Richard Holland and the rest of the Board of Directors at Blues for their support over the last two years. Finally, I pay tribute to all the team at Cardiff Blues for their hard work, dedication and professionalism. I'm sure with the squad being assembled for next season and beyond, Cardiff Blues will enjoy a bright future and I wish them every success."

Chief executive Richard Holland added: "I've always enjoyed a strong relationship with Phil and would like to thank him for his contribution to Cardiff Blues during his tenure.

"Throughout his time at the region, Phil has worked passionately to develop the right infrastructure here and a pathway for aspiring players and coaches. He has overseen a period of massive change and I'm sure in the future we will see the benefits of his work.

"We now look to take the region forward with new leadership and, on behalf of all the staff at the Blues, I would like to wish Phil and his family every success in the future."