Cardiff Blues have confirmed that Dale McIntosh is to leave his position as Forwards Coach at the region.
Former Wales international forward McIntosh joined the region on a full-time basis in October 2013.
The former Head Coach at Pontypridd RFC and WRU Performance Skills Coach leaves Cardiff Blues with immediate effect and with the very best wishes of everyone connected with the region.
Richard Holland, Chief Executive, said: “We would like to thank Dale for his contribution to Cardiff Blues. He has been an extremely popular member of the coaching team and has worked passionately to develop our forwards and to try and secure positive results.
“He also stepped up twice, alongside Paul John, to lead the region during transitional periods at the end of the last two seasons and so we thank him for his dedication and unwavering commitment to the role.
“On behalf of everyone at Cardiff Blues, I would like to wish Dale and his family every success in the future.
“Our Head Coach, Danny Wilson, is looking at the make-up and dynamic of the coaching team he wants to take us forward over the coming years and further announcements will be made in due course,” he added.
McIntosh said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the region and those outside the region for their support throughout my time at Cardiff Blues.
“I leave with a lot of fond memories and life changing experiences. The only regret I have is not being able to help the region to be more successful in achieving European Champions Cup status.
“As a Pontypridd player I was always brought through to rival Cardiff, which I believe to be healthy for our game. I’m sure a Cardiff player would say it was reciprocated and great for competitive sport.
"But what I have learnt in my time at Cardiff Blues is there are a lot more great people in this region who, like Pontypridd, are just genuinely passionate and very proud of who they are.
“I would like to thank the fans for their continuous support, especially through adversity. Also my thanks to the staff, both the backroom team at The Vale and team at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, who work relentlessly to make this region successful and of whom I have gained some great friendships.
“I leave wishing the players and new regime the best wishes in the world and with a lot of love in my heart knowing I did everything I possibly could and more for the region and I can hold my head high.”