Nigel Melville to make RFU exit in December

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that professional rugby director Nigel Melville will exit from his role in December.

The 58-year-old, who represented England 13 times between 1984 and 1988 joined RFU in 2016 and played a pivotal role in the development of England's Men's and Women's teams in both the 15s and 7s formats.

He also held the post of the chief executive during the first half of 2019 until the arrival of Bill Sweeney in May.

Melville also previously worked as coach and director of rugby at London Wasps and was appointed CEO and President of Rugby Operations of USA Rugby in 2006 - a post he held for 10 years.

“I am proud of all that the organisation has achieved over the last three years during some challenging times," he said in a statement released by RFU.

"I believe that England Rugby is in a great place and that leaving after the 2019 Rugby World Cup is the right time as the RFU start a new era and prepare for the next Rugby World Cup cycle.”

Meanwhile, Sweeney thanked Melville for his contribution at RFU and wished him good luck for his future endeavours.

“On behalf of everyone at the RFU, I would like to thank Nigel for his valuable contribution to the organisation and to England Rugby.

"His professionalism and knowledge of rugby and sport is outstanding and he will be missed. In particular, I am grateful for the support that he has given to me since I joined. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future.”