The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced that chief executive John Steele has left his post with "immediate effect".

A statement from English rugby union's national governing body declined to make further comment as "discussions are ongoing" but said it would provide an update in due course. The departure of Steele follows recent speculation that Sir Clive Woodward was linked with a return to the RFU in the role of performance director.

However, Sir Clive pledged his future to the British Olympic Association as director of sport and Team GB deputy chef de mission last month.