The Australian took over from Ian McGeechan following the 2003 World Cup, after moving from Leinster.

But, after just three Test wins in 17 attempts, the SRU have brought an end to Williams' reign as national coach.

Forwards coach Willie Anderson and national coaching co-ordinator Brett Igoe have also had their contracts terminated.

An SRU statement said: The contracts of Matt Williams, Willie Anderson and Brett Igoe have been terminated with immediate effect.

Interim arrangements regarding national coaching staff for the Barbarians and Romania matches will be announced shortly.

Williams had impressed the SRU with his work at Leinster, whom he guided to the Celtic League title in 2002 after moving to Ireland from his role NSW Waratahs.

But the Australian was given a rough welcome to his new role with Scotland as his first RBS 6 Nations campaign ended in a whitewash.

Williams had insisted things would improve in the Scottish camp and the summer tour of Australia provided his first Test win, albeit against Samoa.

But even a record 100-8 win against Japan at McDiarmid Park in November was not enough to keep some critics from the door.

A double defeat by the Wallabies and a 45-10 thumping by South Africa signalled the beginning of the end for Williams.

A single win against Italy this year was enough to convince the SRU that his time was up.