Rugby evening headlines as Welsh coach gone with immediate effect and Scarlets announce reshuffle

Here are your rugby evening headlines for Tuesday, 25 January

Former Wales back-row Jonathan Thomas has left his post as Worcester Warriors head coach with immediate effect.

Ex-Sale boss Steve Diamond has taken control for the rest of the season, having been appointed as lead rugby consultant in November.

He will then become director of rugby at the end of the season as Alan Solomons retires.

Ex-Osprey Thomas was promoted to the role of head coach in January 2021.

But Warriors have continued to struggle under the 39-year-old - sitting second bottom in the Premiership, propped up only by Bath.

"It was the logical decision to offer Steve the role as director of rugby," said Warriors co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, in a club statement.

"Steve has the qualities needed to take the club to the next level and achieve our ambitions of competing at the top end of the Premiership.

"We have invested a great deal into ensuring we have all the right ingredients for the club to reach its full potential.

Goldring and Whittingham, who are also directors of League One football club Morecambe, added: "We have unwavering confidence in the strength of the players and the ability of the club to achieve that goal.

"Jonathan has given his all to the club. We appreciate everything he's done in his time at Warriors both as a player and a coach."

Following the announcement, Thomas posted a message to fans of the English outfit on social media, saying: "Nothing but big love for the players, coaches, support staff and supporters at Worcester Warriors.

"This team is ready to take off over the next 12 months. Awesome young players coming through and I’ve really enjoyed putting some good foundations in place."

Scarlets coach Dwayne