Defeat in Nantes condemned Wales to their worst World Cup showing in the professional era and left Jenkins with a record of six wins and a draw from 20 Tests in charge.

In a short statement he said: "I accept and understand the decision that has been taken and I leave the post with sadness but no regrets.

"I have worked with a tremendous team of coaches, administrators and players and I leave in the full knowledge that we have given it our all."

Jenkins only had 16 months at the helm and after the defeat he urged against the Welsh Rugby Union taking any "knee-jerk reactions" or panic moves.

He was contracted until the end of the Six Nations and wanted the opportunity to present a case for his job. He was not given the chance.

The WRU board met in Nantes on Saturday night and decided Jenkins should stand down so planning for the 2011 World Cup could begin immediately.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said: "Sixteen months is a tough call but Gareth has always said 'judge me on the World Cup'. When we are at this level it is about winning."

The rest of the Wales coaching staff - Nigel Davies, Neil Jenkins, Robin McBryde and Rowland Phillips - will all have their positions reviewed by the WRU in the coming days.

But the worldwide search for Jenkins' successor has already begun. Scott Johnson was installed as an early favourite while Eddie Jones, Warren Gatland and Nick Mallett are all likely to be potential targets.

Llanelli Scarlets coach Phil Davies would be the front-runner among the domestic Welsh candidates. Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner has already ruled himself out.

"We begin our search immediately and we will scour the world for the right coach to take us forward," said Lewis.

The fall-out from the World Cup failure will not just hit Jenkins and the coaching staff. Lewis announced a full review of elite rugby in Wales.

He will invite contributions from the players, coaches and regions plus Jenkins himself.

"We have got to be totally focused that we don't find ourselves in this position again," he said.

"Rugby defines us as a nation and unites us as a nation. It is important at this moment that rugby in Wales understands we have to focus together on making this work.

"It is important we do not tear ourselves apart as a nation. It is important we use the emotion, passion, frustration and even the anger of the result at the weekend to propel us forward.

"That is what today is all about, looking to the future, looking to the 2011 World Cup and the work starts today.

"This is not blaming one person, this is not about blaming Gareth Jenkins. All of Welsh rugby needs to look at itself and ask itself the tough questions.

"It needs to think 'what are the right systems and structures that we need to have in place so we can compete at the highest level?'"