World Cup chief executive Jevans resigns

Debbie Jevans on Friday retired as chief executive of the Rugby World Cup Organising Committee, less than six months before the sport's showpiece tournament in England. Jevans, who had been in her position with England Rugby 2015 since October 2012 after previously working as director of Olympic sport for the London 2012 Games, was said to have quit for "personal reasons". "This is the right decision for me to make at this time," Jevans, 54, said. "Everything is in place to ensure that this is the best Rugby World Cup ever, and I am confident my team will deliver an exceptional tournament. "The organisation is strong, there is a great team in place and I am really looking forward to watching the Rugby World Cup as a fan later this year." England Rugby 2015 added in a statement: "Debbie Jevans CBE has decided to resign as chief executive of England Rugby 2015 (ER2015) due to personal reasons. "Debbie has been at the helm of the Rugby World Cup Organising Committee since October 2012, and leaves with a highly experienced event delivery executive team in place, with plans for the tournament in excellent shape. "All aspects of tournament preparations are on or ahead of schedule, with over 1.9 million tickets sold to date." The England Rugby 2015 Executive team will now report to Stephen Brown as the new managing director, working alongside chairman Andy Cosslett and the England Rugby 2015 board to oversee the final stage of successful delivery of the tournament. The World Cup takes place from September 18-October 31.