ROD KAFER was asked to resign last Friday (December 10) by chief executive Mark Sinderberry after talks surrounding his future came to a head, it is understood.

The pair had met the previous Wednesday to continue negotiations regarding a two-year extension to Kafer's current contract that was due to expire in May, but talks broke down over performance-related issues.

Sinderberry, under pressure from Nigel Wray and his board of directors, had become increasingly concerned by the direction of the team and the level of performance as they approached a season-defining month.

The chief executive had been conducting straw polls among the players and staff since the depressing defeat away at Harlequins last month and his gut feeling that a change was required was hastened by the first-leg loss to Parma.

"Rod and I had been speaking for some time about the future and given that it was unclear on both sides we came to the conclusion that it was best to act now to reduce the amount of uncertainty later in the season," said Sinderberry. "Going into the second half of the season we didn't want the uncertainty in the coaching positions, recruitment and structures for the following year so we made the decision to make the change now."

Sinderberry, as demonstrated by his axing of Wayne Shelford and his entire coaching staff, has not been shy of making ruthless decisions during his time at the club, but given that Kafer was his first signing when he took charge in February 2003 and their long association together at the ACT Brumbies, the chief executive admitted it was a tough call. However, Sinderberry did not let their friendship cloud his judgement.

"It's never a pleasant issue. In one sense it was (tough) but in another sense no. Rod and I had a very good relationship but we could confront the issue together. I wouldn't say that made it any easier but we were able to deal with it a bit more objectively."

Asked how much of an influence Wray had on the decision, Sinderberry replied: "Nigel was aware of our discussions but ultimately the decision is left up to me. Every conversation I have had with Nigel is that he and the board of directors are 100 per cent committed to the club and its future.

"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Rod for his efforts over the past 18 months. He took over the club at a difficult time and he leaves us in a better position with a more focussed coaching and playing structure."

Said Kafer: "Following discussions about extending my time at Saracens, I came to the conclusion that my preference was to seek opportunities elsewhere after completing my current contract. In light of this, Mark and I have decided that it is in the club's best interests that I stand down.

"I would like to thank both Mark and the board of directors for their unwavering support during the last 18 months and wish the playing and management staff all the best for the remainder of the season."

Kafer will now take some time off to contemplate his future, but he is unlikely to be short of offers. The 33-year-old World Cup winner has been linked with the new Super-14 outfit Perth while Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones, who offered Kafer a position in his back-room staff earlier in the year, is also likely to come calling.

Meanwhile, Mark Bartholomeusz, signed by Kafer from the ACT Brumbies, admitted his surprise at the departure of the head coach this week.

"It was a big shock to us all I guess. I don't think too many of the guys knew about it, but we are all professional rugby players and we all have to move on I suppose and continue doing your job well.

"As much of a shock that it is to all of us, the fact that we have got someone there who has been there since the end of last season is good."