Martyn Thomas, the acting chief executive officer of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), is to step down from the position on 16 December following the end of his current contract.

Thomas will also relinquish his position with the International Rugby Board Council and the Six Nations Committee, as well as the chair of England Rugby 2015.

It has been confirmed that RFU chief financial officer Stephen Brown will take over the role of acting chief executive officer on 16 December until a permanent replacement is found.

Meanwhile, the Cotton Review of England's performance at the 2011 Rugby World Cup has been shelved by the national governing body, although an independent review will take place.

RFU chair Paul Murphy said: "As a sport we face some exciting and challenging times leading up to 2015, which will be a massive opportunity for the game in this country."