Wasps confirm Leon Holden to leave at end of season
- Published
Betsen (left), Holden (middle) and Jacobs will all leave Adams Park
Wasps' interim director of rugby Leon Holden, veteran flanker Serge Betsen and centre Ben Jacobs are all to leave the club at the end of the season.
New Zealander Holden, a former Wasps coach who returned to the post temporarily in February, will become head coach at Japanese side Black Rams.
Jacobs, 28, is also moving to Japan after signing for Kyuden Voltex.
Betsen, 37, who has scored seven tries in 79 appearances for Wasps, is yet to sign for another club.
Chief executive Chris Thomas said: "It's always sad to say goodbye to quality players like Serge and Ben.
"But with some young exciting backs and back-row players coming through, we are well served in these areas.
He added: "Leon has done a very good job in a very short time frame and has played a key role in recruitment for next season which is ongoing.
"We are continuing the process of putting in place a director of rugby for next season.
"This is a key appointment for us so we are not going to rush it but we are confident we will have a quality candidate in place for the start of next season."
Holden spent four years coaching at Wasps between 2005 and 2009 before being invited back in February after Tony Hanks left his role as director of rugby., external
The London side have won just two matches from seven since his return and sit eighth in the Premiership.
He said: "The opportunity to go to Japan, where I have coached before, for a season was too good to turn down.
"It will allow me to be that bit nearer home and with a young family, it will be a change of lifestyle that I believe we will enjoy."
Australian Jacobs has spent the last two seasons at Wasps, external, and said: "Having been in London for a number of years now, I am ready for a different challenge."
Former France international flanker Betsen moved to Wasps in 2008 after 17 years with his home club Biarritz but is yet to decide his next move as his playing career nears its end.
He added: "It was a big challenge for me and my family to move to England but I have really enjoyed my time at Wasps and I will be sad to leave. However I am excited about the next challenges the sport will bring me."