Wednesday 11 November 2015 16:07, UK
Josh Lewsey has announced he will step down from his role as head of Welsh rugby in January.
The England 2003 World Cup winner will be leaving the WRU in January, by which time he will have spent nearly two-and-a-half years in Wales.
Lewsey joined the WRU in August 2013, but said his decision to leave Wales was based on personal reasons.
After his playing career ended in 2009, Lewsey worked in management consultancy and as an equities sales trader.
The 38-year-old then spent six months as interim chief executive of the Cornish Pirates rugby team before moving to Wales.
Lewsey said: "I came to work here with a specific focus in mind, seeing the opportunity and need to address the underlying structures whilst the National team were so successful - to attempt to 'fix the roof while the sun is shining.
"Also, my family are from Wales and I know the difference sport, but especially rugby, can make to people's lives and local communities.
"Those factors can transcend education, health and society which has been a big focus for us.
"That is something we all feel passionate about and to that end, I feel honoured to have worked with some special people and collectively we should feel very proud of the progress we have made.
"Clearly there is still lots to address, not least some misperceptions but plans are already underway to do so and, though such changes will take a while to have their full effect, with Martyn now taking the reins I'm confident that the momentum can be maintained.
"I can leave with these things in good hands. Likewise, we have some pathway matters to conclude before year end, so if we can also reach a collective approach there then the foundations of Welsh Rugby really will be moving to a good place.
"To avoid speculation and be entirely honest, alongside the above reaching a stage that it can be self sustaining, there have been some developments over the last year relating to personal matters, meaning that I couldn't continue to be in Wales on a full-time basis."
The WRU group chief executive, Martyn Phillips, said; "I want to thank Josh for the dedication, energy and vision he has brought to his role as head of rugby.
"There is no doubt his principle achievement across the past two years has been to drive strategic change and put in place a club hub structure which is already proving successful in introducing a new core of young players into the game.
"Before he steps down from the WRU he and I will work on the succession planning in order to maintain the momentum he has created for the game in Wales."
