Rugby: London Irish fuel Best quit rumour

London Irish have confirmed they will undertake a coaching reshuffle, fuelling speculation that director of rugby Dick Best will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

The club stated financial reasons for the reshuffle with former Springbok centre Brendan Venter expected to replace the ex-British Lions and England coach.

The South African has no previous coaching experience and only hung up his playing boots in January after a spell with Western Province.

"Given the uncertainty created by the current breakdown in negotiations between the Rugby Football Union and English First Division Rugby and the implications this has for the finances of the Premiership club, coupled with the changing needs of professional rugby, the board of London Irish is undertaking a review of the club's operations and in particular its playing and coaching structure," said a club statement.

Best is unlikely to be the only victim of the reshuffle at Irish, who are currently a lowly ninth in the Premiership.

England A coach Ged Glynn and Academy director Roley Williams are also expected to leave.

The Madejski Stadium club is, however, remaining tight-lipped about any definite plans.

The statement continued: "The review is being undertaken in consultation with the individuals who maybe affected.

"The details of the discussions are confidential and the club expects to make a further announcement when a final decision has been made regarding any restructuring of the club's operations."