WORCESTERSHIRE have revealed Steve Rhodes has left his role as director of cricket with immediate effect.
The New Road side have made no further comment on his departure and not indicated whether his exit is related to the internal investigation into his conduct.
Rhodes was put on leave on November 29 when the club announced it was ‘dealing with a disciplinary matter relating to his role as Director of Cricket.’
At the time, ESPN Cricinfo reported his suspension was because the 53-year-old delayed telling the county about the arrest of all-rounder Alex Hepburn, who has since been charged with two counts of rape.
A brief statement released this morning read: “Steve Rhodes has left WCCC with immediate effect.
“We thank him for his 33 years as a player, coach and Director of Cricket. We wish him well in the future.”
“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Rhodes’ departure closes the door on three decades of service for the Pears.
After starting his playing career with his native Yorkshire, Rhodes joined Worcestershire in 1985.
A prolific playing career saw him represent England on 11 occasions as well as a major role behind the stumps during the Pears Lords finals.
After joining Tom Moody’s backroom staff in 2005, Rhodes became the county’s director of cricket halfway through the 2006 season when Moody left to become Sri Lanka head coach.
He presided over a radical change in policy at New Road which saw big names jettisoned in favour of home-grown talent.
10 of the 11 on the field for the county’s final Championship game in September which clinched the Division Two title were academy graduates.
No indication has been given by the club as yet on how it will replace Rhodes.