Davies to stand down at Leeds

After a shocking start to the season, Phil Davies is set to relinquish his first team control.

Leeds Tykes' disastrous start to the season has finally taken its toll, with director of rugby Phil Davies set to relinquish his control of the first team.

The Yorkshire club have lost all eight of their opening matches in the 2005/06 campaign, leaving them rock bottom of the Premiership, out of the Powergen Cup - which they currently hold, and on the verge of exiting the Heineken Cup.

Davies joined Leeds since 1996, and he has since led them from National League Three to the Premiership.

However, their current form is alarming and Davies today revealed that he will run the team with the aid of senior players Justin Marshall, Gordon Bulloch and Iain Balshaw until a new head coach can be found.

"I have been with Leeds for 10 years and I have also had a long term vision for the club which has always featured a new head coach position," said Davies.

"I have found it increasingly difficult to combine the roles of director of rugby, head coach and forwards coach and the start to the season has brought this into sharp focus. I have recognised that something needed to change.

"In the short term, I will work alongside a group of senior players from within the squad whilst we look to appoint a suitable candidate of the right quality for this position.

"This is a senior coaching position and the new head coach will have complete responsibility for the first team playing matters.

"Whether I have any involvement in the first team playing matters remains to be seen."

The timing of such a move is unlikely to be beneficial to a Leeds squad that boasts plenty of inexperienced youngsters, who are in need of clear leadership.

And Davies, who has consistently promised a change in fortunes for the Tykes, admits he has plenty of candidates in mind to become the new team boss.

"I have a number of people in mind who could fill the position, who would have the right qualities we are looking for and would be able to work alongside our current coaching team."