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Rob Andrew will step down as director of professional rugby with the Rugby Football Union after this season
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“It feels like the right time,” said Andrew, who joined the RFU in 2006
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Nigel Melville will take his RFU role
Rob Andrew will leave his role as RFU director of professional rugby at the end of the current season.
In his current role he has overseen regional academies, medical, anti-doping, coaching development, referees, rugby events and competitions, rugby operations and the Greene King IPA Championship.
He also sits on the Professional Game Board, European Professional Club Rugby Board and GB Sevens Executive Committee.
“After 10 years at the RFU and with the impending conclusion of the second Heads of Agreement, it feels like the right time to step down at the end of the season,” said Andrew.
He will be replaced by former England captain Nigel Melville, who has been USA Rugby chief executive since 2006.
The RFU says Melville will be responsible for professional rugby in England with particular focus around Premiership Rugby, the English Qualified Player scheme, the elite player squad (EPS) scheme and the academy system.
Former scrum-half Melville will also take over the responsibilities of former head of international player development Joe Lydon, who resigned in March.