On this day in 2010: Brian McClennan resigned as Leeds Rhinos head coach

The Kiwi, then 48, had spent three years in the role at Headingley.

Brian McClennan won back-to-back Super League Grand Finals with Leeds Rhinos (Gareth Copley/PA) (PA Archive)

Brian McClennan resigned as head coach of Super League side Leeds Rhinos on this day in 2010.

The Kiwi, then 48, had spent three years in the role at Headingley and was replaced by his assistant Brian McDermott.

McDermott had left his role as Harlequins head coach earlier in the 2009/10 season to join the Rhinos, with a view to replacing McClennan in 2012.

McClennan, who had signed a new one-year contract extension in May, said: “Since the conclusion of last season, I have had time to reflect. I have also spent time with Brian McDermott assessing the future.

“Therefore, I think the time is right to hand over the reins now rather than later. 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.”

Former New Zealand head coach McClennan had led the Rhinos to back-to-back Super League Grand Final wins, both against St Helens, in 2008 and 2009.

He also guided Leeds to the 2010 Challenge Cup final – they lost to Warrington – while they lost in the  2010 Super League semi-finals to Wigan.

McClennan returned to New Zealand to become Auckland’s new development and coaching manager and went on to succeed Ivan Cleary as head coach of NRL side New Zealand Warriors before being sacked in 2012.