Canberra coach David Furner has been sacked by the NRL club’s board, effective immediately.

The move reportedly followed a crisis board meeting after nine players told the board they were struggling to work with Furner.

Assistant Andrew Dunemann will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

“The board made the tough decision (to sack Furner) feeling the team’s inconsistent performances were not reflective of the talent within the squad and have decided to pursue a different direction for the future of the club,” said the club in a statement.

“The board noted the wonderful service over many years that David Furner has made to the club from his days as a player and more recently a coach and said he will leave his tenure at the club as one of the Raiders’ most loyal and respected figures.

“They noted the difficulty in the decision and said it was one of the saddest days in the club’s history.”

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