Waratahs sack head coach Rob Penney

New South Wales Waratahs have parted ways with head coach Rob Penney following a struggling start to the ongoing Super Rugby AU season.

The decision was taken after consultation with chief executive Paul Doorn and the high-performance committee and follows after the club have lost all the five games in the tournament including a massive 61-10 defeat to Brumbies in the second round.

The 56-year-old joined Waratahs in 2019 and had previously worked with Crusaders, Canterbury, New Zealand Under 20, Munster and Shining Arcs.

The absence of Penney will see assistant coaches Jason Gilmore and Chris Whitaker step up to take in charge of the side for the remainder of the 2021 season.

Waratahs chief executive Paul Doorn thanked Penney for his contribution to the club and is now looking for a turn around after a poor start to the season.

“The decision to part ways with Penney was not taken lightly,” he told the official website of the club.

“Being the coach of the NSW Waratahs is one of the most high-profile and high-pressure roles in Australian rugby.

“Rob is extremely professional and has put a great deal of effort into the role. However, the on-field performances this season have not met expectations and we feel that, in the best interests of the Waratahs, now is the time to make a change.”