USA Rugby General Manager of High Performance Pathways JD Stephenson will be leaving the organization.

Stephenson announced that he has submitted his resignation and his last official day was December 22. However, Stephenson will continue working in an advisory capacity with USA Rugby until March 22 to help ensure a smooth transition for the pathway roles for the people remaining in the HP Pathways department. Emilie Bydwell, Brendan Keane, Martha Daines, and Huw Bevan will remain in the HP department.

The move is, apparently, quite amicable and is the result of Stephenson looking for a new opportunity within rugby. He has not announced what he's doing next, but will soon, and the Australian native will be remaining in the US.

"This is my home," Stephenson told Goff Rugby Report. "And I am still committed to American rugby and want to see it continue to be successful."

Stephenson was part of the team that was working to set up a new pathway system within USA Rugby that made it easier to scout, track, and develop young rugby players. He also served as a coach for several USA age-grade teams including the team that played at the World HS 7s. 

The USA Rugby HP group still seems to be fairly well staffed and as the organization continues to push initiatives that they hope will be funded by World Rugby grants.