RFU acting chief executive Martyn Thomas will stand down at the end of next month, it has been announced.

Following Wednesday's meeting between officials it was confirmed that his contract would not be renewed and that he would be stripped of all duties.

Thomas will also not take up his position as the chairman of the organising committee for the 2015 World Cup which will take place in England.

The RFU chairman Paul Murphy said: "On behalf of the RFU I would like to thank Martyn for his contribution and dedication to rugby and the Union over the years, particularly in his last six as chairman and latterly as acting chief executive.

"He has been an integral part of the growth of the Union and the game as well as securing the 2015 Rugby World Cup for England as hosts. I know he will continue to support the Union with all his efforts until his contract ends."

Thomas has been at the centre of in-fighting at the top of English rugby and had previously survived three votes of no confidence.

When the RFU's chief disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett had presented a report on the hiring and firing of Thomas' predecessor John Steele, Thomas threatened legal action if the reasons into Steele's dismissal earlier in the year were made known.

Chief financial officer Stephen Brown will take over on December 16, while Fran Cotton's investigation into England's performance at the Rugby World Cup has been shelved.