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RFU chief Steve Brown to step down at end of year amid raft of redundancies

PA
PA

RFU chief executive Steve Brown will step down from his role at the end of the year, it has been announced.

Brown took over the role in 2017 having worked at the RFU since 2011, mainly as chief financial officer.

He said in a statement: “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.

The news comes in the wake of 64 redundancies being made at Twickenham and amid fierce criticism from former chief executive Francis Baron over what he claims is financial mismanagement by the union.

"It has been a fascinating 7 ½ 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.”

More to follow...