By Andrew Collins
October 27 2005

Leeds' head caoch Phil Davies has stepped down to take up a less active Director or Rugby role. The Tykes are in Cardiff's European group and beat them 40-13 last week at the Arms Park.

The Welshman announced his decision earlier today following a poor start to the season, having failed to pick up a win in any of their 3 competitions.

Bottom of the Guinness Premiership, out of the Anglo-Welsh and doubtful for Europe, the 'up north' club have had a dreadful few weeks. However with Phil Davies guiding them, you always felt they could do a U-turn.

Davies lead the Tykes to the Powergen Cup last season and enjoyed a glorious last day in the premiership, hanging on by the skin of their teeth.

Davies has been at the club for 10 years, and lead them to their first European match in 2003. He later got them promoted, kept them up, won the Powergen cup and got them into European again this season.

He's not leaving for good however, he will occupy the Director of Rugby role, which is more about aquiring players, signing contracts and the running of the team rather than coaching.

As for replacements, the Super 14 season ends soon, so don't be surprised to see a top-knotch foreigner jump at the chance to coach a team with Justin Marshall in it.

The Blues go to Headingway on January 21st, by which time a new coach will've been installed for at least a few months.