Melville to leave Rugby Football Union
Director of professional rugby Nigel Melville has decided he wishes to leave the RFU in December to pursue new opportunities.
Since joining in July 2016, Nigel has led the professional rugby department and played a pivotal role in the development of the partnership with Premier Rugby Limited and development of the England men’s and women’s sevens and fifteens teams.
In addition, Nigel acted as interim chief executive in the first half of 2019 ahead of Bill Sweeney's arrival as CEO arrival in May.
Sweeney himself paid tribute to Melville's contribution to England Rugby.
“On behalf of everyone at the RFU, I would like to thank Nigel for his valuable contribution to the organisation and to England Rugby," said Sweeney.
"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.”
Melville added:“I am proud of all that the organisation has achieved over the last three years during some challenging times. 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.”
