McClennan quits Leeds

Brian McClennan has resigned as head coach of Leeds Rhinos.

The 48-year-old New Zealander will be replaced at Headingley by Brian McDermott.

McClennan, who only signed a new one-year contract in May, arrived at Headingley in 2008 and guided Leeds to back-to-back Super League titles. He was unable to win any silverware in 2010, but did take them to the final of the Challenge Cup where they lost to Warrington, and to within 80 minutes of another Grand Final appearance.

His departure follows the announcement earlier in the year that his assistants, Francis Cummins and Willie Poching, would be leaving their roles to be replaced by Harlequins coach McDermott, who would then succeed McClennan at the end of the 2011 season.

But McClennan has decided to call a premature end to his stay in Yorkshire, meaning McDermott will assume responsibility for the first team from next season.

"I think the time is right to hand over the reins now rather than later," McClennan said.

"I just feel if I continued it would be for selfish reasons only. Brian is ready now and will do a great job.

"I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the wonderful players and staff who have been terrific these past three years. The fans have been great too.

"I would also like to thank (chief executive) Gary Hetherington. He is a good man and I will always be grateful for the opportunity he has given me and my family. We leave with great memories."

McDermott, who worked on Leeds' coaching staff for two years before a five-year stint in charge of Harlequins, has signed a three-year deal to coach the Rhinos.