Cattermole goes, Baron survives

The RFU accepted the resignation of Graeme Cattermole at a meeting of the organisation's management board on Friday.

It marks the end of a political battle within the RFU between Cattermole and Chief Executive Francis Baron, who was rumoured to be facing a vote of no confidence at Friday's meeting.

The RFU released a statement saying that the resignation was accepted 'with regret', but had also noted 'the potential damage which could have been done to the union following press speculation about internal conflict', and agreeing that 'his resignation is in the best interests of the union'.

Cattermole was facing an investigation after an accusation of bringing the game into disrepute, following his apparent collusion with Premiership clubs to undermine Baron's authority, and orchestrating Baron's departure from England Rugby Ltd.

Rumours of the vote of no confidence in Baron proved unfounded, as the RFU statement also re-affirmed its support for the Chief Executive.

RFU President Malcolm Phillips was appointed acting Chairman of the Management Board until further notice.

Phillips will shortly be meeting John Prodger, Chairman of the RFU Nominations Panel, in order to discuss the correct process of appointing a successor for Cattermole.

The RFU also stated the intention 'to put internal divisions behind it and to work together in accordance with the principles of good governance for the benefit of the game in England'.