Steve Brown will step down as the chief executive of the RFU at the end of this year after 14 months in the role.
In an extensive interview with TRP last month, Brown outlined why the ‘RFU are in a very strong position’ despite scrutiny over staff redundancies and accusations of being in over their head on the £81m forked out to rebuild Twickenham‘s East Stand – some £28m over the initial costing forecast for the hospitality project.
Brown joined the RFU in 2011, and in that time has held a number of roles including chief financial officer, chief officer business operations, and managing director of England Rugby 2015, before being appointed Chief Executive in September 2017 to succeed Ian Ritchie.
A key link in the success of England’s hosting of 2015 Rugby World Cup, the most lucrative in the competitions history, Brown will leave the RFU in December to be replaced by director of professional rugby Nigel Melville in the interim.
Brown commented: “This has been a very difficult decision for me to make, and I informed the RFU Board earlier this week that the time is right for me to step down and take some time out. I’ve loved my time in rugby, and am deeply proud to have made a contribution to a sport I love.
“It has been a fascinating seven-and-a-half years, and a great honour to lead the RFU over the last 14 months. I am proud of the people who make the Union – including our hard working and committed staff and the brilliant volunteers who make the game. I’m sad to leave, but the Union is in good shape, with an excellent leadership team in place.
“I have always been a rugby fan, and always will be, and I wish all our England teams, coaches, and everyone involved with the game at all levels the very best for the future, which looks bright for the English game.”
