Steve Rhodes leaves Worcestershire with immediate effect

Worcestershire County Cricket Club have confirmed director of cricket Steve Rhodes has left the club with immediate effect.

Rhodes was subject to an internal investigation after reportedly delaying telling the county about the arrest of all-rounder Alex Hepburn, who was charged with two counts of rape last month.

The club confirmed last month that they were in the process of dealing with a disciplinary matter involving Rhodes, but refused to comment on reports he had been put on enforced leave because of the way he handled Hepburn's case.

The club said in a statement: "We thank him for his 33 years as a player, coach and Director of Cricket. We wish him well in the future."

Rhodes was due to coach England at the U19 World Cup in New Zealand in January 2018, but was forced to stand down after being placed under investigation in November.

Rhodes, a former wicketkeeper, had been in charge of Worcestershire since 2006 after playing for the county from 1985 to 2004.

The county club will be making no further comment.