Chris Chester has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of Hull Kingston Rovers with immediate effect.

The board at Craven Park have decided to act following the weekend's 14-12 defeat at the hands of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, which extended KR's winless start to the new Super League season to three matches.

Chester took charge in 2014 and under his management the Robins reached the final of last year's Challenge Cup, only to be beaten 50-0 by Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.

Assistant coach Willie Poching has been placed in temporary charge for Friday's encounter against St Helens at the KC Lightstream Stadium.