Thomas: Stepped down

The report, put together by a five-man group, headed by RFU disciplinary officer Judge Jeff Blackett, will not be made public. Sections of it are thought to be highly critical.

It was digested during a four-hour RFU Council meeting on Sunday after the panel had looked in great detail at circumstances surrounding the hiring and firing of former Twickenham chief executive John Steele.

Decisions reached by the council included Martyn Thomas withdrawing his nomination for board chairman at the RFU AGM yesterday afternoon; council member Murphy being appointed interim chairman; and the whole RFU board being given a vote of confidence.

But less than nine weeks before the 2011 World Cup kicks off in New Zealand, the RFU has no permanent chairman, no permanent chief executive and they are still searching for their first performance director.

Murphy said: "We were concerned that the reputation of the RFU had been damaged by the recent events which were played out so vividly in the media.

"We wanted to ensure that we put in place an independent panel capable of undertaking a comprehensive and expert review of what took place so we could learn lessons for the future and take the first step forward towards rebuilding that reputation.

"I would commend the members of the panel, because that is exactly what we received. Their report was based on detailed evidence, was thorough and gave clear recommendations.

"In the end, after lengthy discussion, we have taken what we believe are the right decisions for the future of the game and the union itself."

Thomas steps down following a six-year tenure as RFU chairman.

But he will remain in three other key roles at Twickenham - acting chief executive, chairman of Rugby World Cup 2015, which will be staged in England, and as an RFU representative on the International Rugby Board.

"Most people would not be comfortable with being chairman and acting CEO. The staff made it clear to me last week they wanted the stability of the last month maintained," said Thomas.

"I discussed with the board last week whether you could do both jobs. I left the meeting and they discussed it for 90 minutes, looking at all manner of options.

"I was never comfortable with doing the two jobs. The board felt it would be better if I stayed as acting CEO, having done the job since John left.

"What was important was what the staff told me last week. They did not want another change. They wanted stability. English rugby is in a healthy shape - it is not a message of doom and gloom."