Martyn Thomas steps down from RFU role
03/11/2011
Those enjoying hospitality packages for England's Six Nations rugby games at Twickenham in the new year may see changes in playing and coaching personnel, but the first move has come at the top.
Acting chief executive of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Martyn Thomas is to quit his post when his current contract expires on December 16th, citing family reasons.
He will also step down as head of England Rugby 2015, relinquish his directorship of European Rugby Cup Ltd and also leave the International Rugby Board Council and Six Nations Committee.
The decision was confirmed at the RFU board's monthly meeting, with chief financial officer Stephen Brown taking over temporarily from Mr Thomas.
Meanwhile, fans may be keen to see how any change of direction at the top could affect the future of head coach Martin Johnson, whose fate after the Rugby World Cup remains uncertain.
Former England manager Geoff Cooke recently told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme that Johnson should stay, while calling for Mr Thomas to go.
By Sam Smith
