Richard Hodges will leave Cardiff Rugby at the end of the season to take up an opportunity overseas.
The defence coach has spent the last 10 years of his career within the club’s professional set-up, first as academy manager and then defence coach.
However, he will now bring an end to his long association with the club and he remains enormously grateful to the Blue and Blacks for the opportunities he has enjoyed at the Arms Park.
Hodges said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I leave Cardiff. I have had a brilliant time here and have so many fond memories.
“This is a club ho have assisted and supported my development as a coach through the age-grade and the international pathway to the first team and I will always be very grateful for that.
“It’s now time for a new challenge and adventure overseas for myself and my family. I will always be thankful to all of the coaches I have worked under and I wish Dai and the club all the very best for the future.”
Prior to heading up the Cardiff academy, Hodges held numerous posts within the pathway after joining the community department upon his graduation from Cardiff Met.
He enjoyed successful stints with Glamorgan Wanderers, Cardiff RFC, and helped Wales Sevens to a World Cup title and Wales Under-20s to the Grand Slam.
At Cardiff he brought through a succession of local talent, was part of the coaching staff that led the club to European Challenge Cup title and has helped develop a clear defensive identity.
Cardiff director of rugby, Dai Young, said: “It is obviously disappointing to lose Richard but this is an exciting opportunity he wanted to take.
“He has spent a long time here with Cardiff and feels this is the next step in his career and we were happy to support him in that. We wish Richard and the family all the very best in the next chapter.”