PARIS, 30 September - Gareth Jenkins on Sunday resigned as Wales coach following the team's failure to reach the world cup quarter-finals.
His departure was confirmed after a meeting with Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis and chairman David Pickering at the team base in France.
"No one can deny the total commitment, passion and dedication that Gareth Jenkins has delivered to Welsh rugby," Lewis said.
"He lives and breathes rugby and I want to thank him for everything he has done and the incredible amount of hard work he has put in.
"Sport at this level is defined by success and the reality is that Wales have failed in their bid to reach the quarter-final stage."
With two wins and two losses from this campaign, including Saturday's fateful defeat by Fiji, Jenkins paid the price for failing to steer his side to the final eight for the first time since RWC 1995.
"I accept and understand the decision that has been taken and I leave the post with sadness but no regrets," said Jenkins, who had been in charge since April 2006.
"I have worked with a tremendous team of coaches, administrators and players and I leave in the full knowledge that we have given it our all."
The Welsh Rugby Union will search worldwide for a new head coach and conduct a review of the elite game in Wales.
RNS md/mr
