Head coach Richard Agar to leave Hull FC

Agar had one more year of his Hull FC contract to run

Hull FC have confirmed that head coach Richard Agar will leave the club at the end of the season.

Agar, who has been on the Black and Whites' coaching staff for seven years, became head coach in May 2008.

The hunt for his replacement will be led by ex-Hull and Salford coach Shaun McRae, who is returning to the club next month as director of rugby.

"I consider it an honour to have worked with the players and staff of this great club," said Agar.

"It has been a fantastic experience to work for Hull FC over the last seven years.

"I leave with pride and we have built a quality squad and culture. I have numerous happy memories and the two Challenge Cup finals and the Grand Final are obvious highlights."

Agar has been strongly linked with a move to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, but only last month Hull scotched reports that their coach would be leaving the KC Stadium.

McRae, who left his post as Salford coach in April after a period of leave on medical advice, previously coached the Black and Whites from 2000-2004.

He will officially rejoin the club on 1 October, and it is believed one of Hull's targets to be their new coach will be Australian Peter Gentle, who is currently assistant to Tim Sheens with both Wests Tigers and Australia.

McRae said: "I am delighted to be returning to Hull FC and I am honoured to be part of the exciting times that lie ahead.

"I look forward to working with Adam Pearson and all the staff and players and also reacquainting myself with the 'old faithful'."