RFU Appoints Steele As Chief Executive

The Rugby Football Union has appointed UK Sport boss John Steele as its new chief executive.

Steele will take charge in the autumn after serving a notice period at UK Sport, the body responsible for funding athletes training for the London 2012 Olympics.

He will oversee the administration of English rugby in the build-up to the World Cup in England in 2015.

The former Northampton player succeeds Francis Baron, who is stepping down after 12 years in the role.

Steele said: ‘I’m looking forward to a big challenge in the sport that I am immensely passionate about.’

Steele coached Saints to victory in the Heineken Cup in 2000 before becoming a club director then leaving to become chief executive of UK Sport in 2005.