Welsh Rugby Union’s Head Of Rugby Resigns

England World Cup winner Josh Lewsey will step down from his role as Welsh Rugby Union’s head of rugby in January.

The former Wasps utility back succeeded Joe Lydon in September 2013.

Lewsey has been responsible for the operational and strategic management of the whole of the game in Wales – from community to elite level outside the senior international squad.

“I feel honoured to have worked with some special people,” the 38-year-old said.

“Collectively we should feel very proud of the progress we have made.

“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.”

A World Cup winner in 2003, Lewsey retired in 2009 after winning 55 England caps and making three Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions on the tour to New Zealand in 2005.

His announcement came around three hours after Stuart Lancaster hleft his post as England head coach.

Welsh Rugby Union Group chief executive Martyn Phillips said Lewsey had brought “dedication, energy and vision” to the role.

“There is no doubt his principal 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,” Phillips said.

“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.”