'Disappointed' Tony Hanks leaves struggling Wasps

London Wasps have parted company with Tony Hanks following an inconsistent season and launched a worldwide search for a new director of rugby.

The club took the decision last night, three days after the 10-9 loss to Gloucester left Wasps sixth in the Aviva Premiership and with real fears they may not qualify for the Heineken Cup.

This term's Heineken campaign is already over as they failed to get out of their pool and are now involved in the Amlin Challenge Cup, very much the second division of European rugby.

As a result, Wasps terminated Hanks's contract and the man who had to replace Lions legend Ian McGeechan will now return to New Zealand knowing the job was just too difficult.

In a joint statement, Hanks and the club said the decision was by "mutual agreement" and chief executive Chris Thomas thanked him for his work.

Thomas said: "Results have not gone as we would have liked this season. Tony has been equally disappointed with how things are going on the pitch as he has always been wholeheartedly committed to the club with a strong desire to see it succeed. Both parties believe the time is right for change to give the squad a fresh start."

Hanks signed a three-year deal in the summer of 2009, having been assistant coach during a previous spell there. He said: "I am naturally disappointed to be leaving and this has been a really tough decision to come to."

Head coach Shaun Edwards will take over the director of rugby responsibilities short term but is not interested in the job full time as it would make it impossible for him to continue as Wales defence coach. It is understood that Wasps will bring in temporary coaching support for the rest of the season to aid Edwards and forwards coach Trevor Woodman and a new director of rugby will be in place at the start of next season.

Leading candidates for the permanent role include former Wasps director of rugby Nigel Melville, who is in charge of the United States Rugby Union playing programme, and ex-England and Wasps forwards coach John Mitchell, now in charge of the Lions in South Africa.

Although former club captain Lawrence Dallaglio, who is on the board and is in charge of recruitment, is another potential candidate it is thought his numerous business interests would rule him out of the job.