Mirfield Stags have parted company with head coach Richard Silverwood after he opted to stand down from his position with immediate effect.
The news comes in the wake of Silverwood – rugby league’s longest-serving full-time referee – being suspended after becoming the subject of an RFL internal investigation.
Mirfield-based, Silverwood hasn’t refereed a Super League match since Magic Weekend in Newcastle, and the game’s governing body issued a statement saying: “I can confirm Richard Silverwood is suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation.”
No other details have been issued.
The 40-year-old, who took over coaching reins back in 2014 when the Stags club was first launched, departs having guided his hometown team to last year’s Grand Final before helping to seal a league title during the team’s debut winter campaign.
He said: “I have very much enjoyed my time with the club, it has been a pleasure being part of the Mirfield Stags journey.
“However, in the short term, the time has come for me to focus on my career.
“I have made some fond memories over the past couple of seasons and will hold them close to my heart.”
A Mirfield Stags spokesperson added: “We would like to thank Richard for all of his efforts over the past two years.
“He has developed a great squad of players, which will now look forward to working under a new leader.
“We would like to wish him all the best for the future.”
An announcement regarding the appointment of a new head coach at the Stags will be made in due course.
