Steve Brown has announced he will step down as CEO of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) after just 14 months in the role.

Brown's shock decision comes just days after former CEO Francis Baron claimed that the governing body was "in a perilous financial position" despite recording healthy revenues.

Brown first joined the RFU in 2011 and has held a number of roles – including chief financial officer, chief officer business operations, and managing director of England Rugby 2015 – before being appointed CEO in September 2017.

He is set to leave the organisation at the end of the year.

RFU chair Andy Cosslett said: “This is a sad day for the Union.

"Steve has made a huge contribution to the RFU during his time here.

"He has been a pivotal figure during a long period of sustained growth for the Union and, as Managing Director of the Organising Committee, played a key role in delivering Rugby World Cup 2015."

Commenting on his decision, Brown said: “This has been a very difficult decision for me to make, and I informed the RFU Board earlier this week that the time is right for me to step down and take some time out.

"I’ve loved my time in rugby, and am deeply proud to have made a contribution to a sport I love."

Nigel Melville, director of professional rugby, has been named interim CEO until a new chief executive is appointed.