Martyn Thomas to Quit Rugby Football Union Positions

Current acting chief executive Martyn Thomas will resign from all his positions at the Rugby Football Union (RFU) following the November Board of Directors meeting.

The former RFU chairman is also leaving as chairman of the organising committee for the 2015 World Cup in England. Thomas will oversee the transition at the RFU before leaving at the end of his contract on 16th December.

He survived a vote of no confidence in September after threatening legal action should a report into the exit of predecessor John Steele be made public.

RFU chief financial officer Stephen Brown, anesthetist in addition to continuing to fulfil his current responsibilities, order will become RFU Acting CEO on 16th December – until the start date of a new permanent CEO.

RFU chairman Paul Murphy said: “On behalf of the RFU I would like to thank Martyn for his contribution and dedication to rugby and the Union over the years, particularly in his last six as Chairman and latterly as Acting Chief Executive. He has been an integral part of the growth of the Union and the game as well as securing the 2015 Rugby World Cup for England as hosts. I know he will continue to support the Union with all his efforts until his contract ends.

“As a sport we face some exciting and challenging times leading up to 2015, which will be a massive opportunity for the game in this country and as a Union it is important that the leadership structure is in place as soon as possible. The recruitment of new Chief Executive is well underway with an appointment expected by December 14. The Board has been hugely impressed with Stephen Brown since he joined. He is a great asset and we are fortunate to have someone of his calibre to lead the Union in this period.”

Martyn Thomas added: “It has been an honour to be part of the Union, most particularly for the past six months as Acting Chief Executive where I have been lucky enough to get to know better the RFU staff who work tirelessly for the good of the game. Stephen Brown for one has been a phenomenal addition to the Executive Team and, having got to know him very well over the last few months, I have total faith that he will provide the stability and leadership needed at this important time.

“I feel that now is the right time to spend more time with my family. As a result I have decided not to renew my contract at its conclusion in December.”