Scarlets' head coach Glenn Delaney has revealed that he is leaving the region with immediate effect – less than an hour after taking charge of their victory against Ospreys.

The Scarlets players were reportedly told the news in the Parc y Scarlets changing room after their 22-6 win over their arch-rivals in the Rainbow Cup on Saturday.

Delaney had joined the Scarlets as defence coach ahead of the 2019-20 season, taking over as the head coach from Brad Mooar for the 2020-21 campaign.

“Today I announce that I will be leaving the Scarlets, it has been a great pleasure to coach this fantastic club," revealed New Zealander Delaney.

"It has been the most difficult of seasons, with the global pandemic creating many challenging issues that the staff and team here have dealt with incredibly well.

"I leave with great memories of two wonderful years out West. We have enjoyed some great times, which in the first year we were able to share with the supporters being there.

"I won’t forget the European games away to Toulon, Bayonne and London Irish where the travelling support was simply unbelievable.

"Our Champions Cup match against Bath this season was one that I know the travelling faithful would have loved.

“I know that the club is in great hands moving forward into the new season and I wish it nothing but the best.

"I want to say a huge thank you to the great staff and the outstanding playing group here at the Scarlets and of course the supporters. I’ve loved everyday working with you all."

Delaney had previously been head coach of Nottingham, London Irish and Canterbury, having played rugby in Japan and for London Irish and Narbonne.

His departure from the Scarlets comes less than a month after it was announced he was being promoted to the role of director of rugby next season.

Three weeks ago, it was announced that former Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel would be returning to Scarlets as head coach next season.

Backs coach Dai Flanagan will take charge of the region for the rest of this season as interim head coach, with Peel arriving from Ulster in the summer.

Scarlets finished third in their Pro14 conference in the 2020-21 season, and suffered a heavy 57-14 Champions Cup last-16 defeat against Sale.

Scarlets executive chairman Simon Muderack said: “We would like to thank Glenn for his wholehearted commitment to the Scarlets during his time here and wish him well for the future.”