Phil Davies became Scarlets director of rugby in 2006

Llanelli Scarlets have ended Phil Davies' reign as director of rugby at the region.

Just six months ago the 44-year-old was a contender for the Wales national job after Gareth Jenkins was sacked.

A statement from the Scarlets' board said: "Phil Davies has been served notice on his contract of employment with the region.

"In the interim, Paul Moriarty will be responsible for team matters supported by Robert Jones and Wayne Proctor."

The statement added: "The decision made by the board was discussed at a meeting held today between Phil Davies and chairman of the board in Llanelli.

This has been a difficult decision to make and one that is disappointing for all parties concerned Llanelli Scarlets statement

"Coaching staff, players and commercial staff have all been informed today of the decision at a series of briefing meetings with senior officials.

"The club will be in ongoing discussions with Phil to reach agreement on his departure during the contractual notice period which runs until the end of May 2008.

"Any contractual details are subject to strict legal processes and confidentiality clauses which will be respected by both parties and the club is therefore not at liberty to discuss any further details at this time."

It continued: "Phil Davies has left the Scarlets today and will be serving out his notice period away from the club.

THE PHIL DAVIES CV Born: Seven Sisters, 19/10/63 Career: Police officer Clubs: Llanelli (captain for six seasons), Leeds Position: No 8, lock Wales caps (1985-95): 46 1996-2001: Leeds player-coach, takes Tykes from Division Three to Premiership 2003: Leeds make Heineken Cup debut 2005: Leeds win Powergen Cup 2005: Leeds bottom of Premiership, gives up coaching role for director of rugby position 2006: Resigns as director of rugby at Leeds after their relegation from the Premiership May 2006: Appointed Llanelli Scarlets director of rugby on three-year contract 2006-7: Leads the Scarlets to the Heineken Cup semi-finals where they lose 33-17 to Leicester 2007-8: Scarlets lose all six Heineken Cup pool matches, fail to get beyond EDF Cup pool stage and endure lacklustre Magners League campaign April 2008: Davies parts company with Scarlets

"The decision follows a review of the Scarlets' rugby performance this season which includes looking at the structure of the rugby playing side of the business ahead of the region's move to a new stadium at the end of this year.

"The board would like to make it clear that this has been a difficult decision to make and one that is disappointing for all parties concerned."

Former Wales coach Jenkins is thought to be a leading contender to reprise his role with the Scarlets.

Former Lions, Wales and Scarlets back-row Scott Quinnell is - like Davies and Jenkins - a Llanelli man through-and-through and could also be in the frame to take over.

Quinnell cut his coaching teeth at the Scarlets, overseeing the region's youngsters and Llanelli's semi-professional Premiership side.

But he left suddenly under a cloud claiming he had been "undermined" by Stradey Park officials and it remains to be seen whether that relationship has been fixed.

There have been rumours of unrest behind the scenes at Stradey Park this season, compounded by the region's debts and the delays in moving to a new stadium at Pemberton.

But back in January, Gallacher denied that there was any problem with player dissatisfaction.

"There are no major issues between the players and coaches, we will move forward," Gallacher said then in a statement.

606: DEBATE If it's true its not very surprising... this year has been a bit of a disaster 99call(madirish_dave)

"I'm aware of the innuendo and rumours regarding [director of rugby] Phil Davies' relationship with his players - when results are poor it's easy to point the finger at the coaching staff."

Just last week Davies travelled with Scarlets chief executive Stuart Gallacher to New Zealand and Australia on a recruitment mission.

New Zealand tight-head prop Greg Somerville, the second most capped prop in All Blacks history, is expected to join the Scarlets from Super 14 powerhouses the Crusaders.

But it will not be Davies who will be picking the team-sheet next season.

Davies, who enjoyed a prestigious playing career with Llanelli and Wales, joined the Scarlets in May 2006, having resigned as director of rugby at Leeds Tykes after their relegation from the Premiership.

The Scarlets reached the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup in Davies' first year in charge, but failed to win a single game in this season's pool stage.

The west Wales region also failed to emerge from the EDF Cup pool stages and have won seven of their 16 Magners League games to date.