LONDON - Premiership club London Irish confirmed on Tuesday rugby director Brian Smith's departure from the club for family reasons.
Formmer England's attack coach Brian Smith during a press conference in Dunedin on September 19, 2011
Smith has been granted early release from his contract, which was due to expire on June 30, on "compassionate grounds" and he will return to Australia.
"My family has to be my priority right now which is why I have asked to be released from my contract early," said Smith.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10 year association with London Irish and will look back on my time with fond memories."
Former England attack coach Smith, 48, had two spells with Irish as rugby director.
He was in charge between 2005 and 2008, guiding the club to a third-place Premiership finish and the European Challenge Cup final.
He also took Irish to the 2008 European Cup semi-finals, when they were beaten by Toulouse at Twickenham.
Smith then spent three years with England, before returning to Irish in 2012, ensuring they retained their Premiership status for three successive seasons.
London Irish Executive Chairman David FitzGerald said: "London Irish is grateful to Brian Smith for the contribution he has made to the Club.
"He led us to the greatest experience we've had to date of European rugby and introduced some great players to the Club.
"We believe that, following Sunday's results at Madejski Stadium and Kingston Park (where Newcastle beat London Welsh), our Premiership status for next season is more or less secure and allows us to focus on preparing for next season.
"All involved with London Irish, especially the new owners, would like to personally thank Brian for his considerable contribution over the last two and a half years and wish him and his family well for the future."
Exiles forwards coach Glenn Delaney will take on the role of interim head coach between now and the end of this season.
Irish are currently 20 points above Premiership bottom club and relegation favourites London Welsh, effectively securing their top-flight status for another season.