Jevans takes World Cup role

Vaughan (second left): Stepped down

Debbie Jevans, the director of sport for LOCOG, has been appointed as the new chief executive of England Rugby 2015.

Jevons will start in the post next month and bring with her experience of delivering the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the company set up to deliver the 2015 World Cup.

She replaces Paul Vaughan, who officially stepped down from leading the body by "mutual consent" earlier on Wednesday.

ER 2015 chairman Andy Cosslett said: "Paul has been at the heart of the RFU for the past 11 years, most recently here as CEO of ER 2015, where he has laid some very strong foundations.

Grateful

"We are grateful to him for all the hard work he and his team have put in to enable ER 2015 to be ready for the next phase.

"Preparations have been continuing at a good pace, the planning is completely on schedule and stakeholders are comfortable.

"With just over three years to go, now is a good time to add a fresh injection of experience to take us up to the next level.

"We are determined to make the most of this once in a generation opportunity for rugby in this country, to make this truly the best Rugby World Cup there has ever been."