LAFAYETTE, Colo. - USA Rugby has announced that CEO Nigel Melville, who was slated to step down at the end of the year, is leaving at the end of June instead.

Melville was slated to transition to CEO of Rugby International Marketing, the supposed for-profit arm of USA Rugby. But now Melville will be joining the RFU to work as Director of Professional Rugby.

Melville is the longest tenured Chief Executive in USA Rugby history, having served 9 ½ years, since the beginning of 2007, with the national governing body of rugby union in the United States. Over that time period, USA Rugby's budget has risen extensively, and Melville has earned credit for the landing of some major sponsors, and the growth of Rookie Rugby, general membership, the elimination of the Territorial Union system, and overseeing the move to a professional 7s program for the Men and Women Eagles.

But Melville has also come under fire for not giving as much attention to some of the nitty-gritty of the game, including issues facing high school and lower-level college rugby. Melville's decision to start a for-profit arm for USA Rugby was seen as a move to ensure he continued to work in the game in the USA, but now he is moving back to the UK, and that throws into question where RIM is as a business venture.

It could be that RIM is starting off perfectly well, and Melville just wants to do something else.

Rugby International Marketing Chairman, Chad Keck said: "On behalf of the board and stakeholders in Rugby International Marketing, we would like to thank Nigel Melville for getting us off to a very strong start. While he will be missed, we look forward to bringing in a new leader to drive the vision forward."

The search for a new Rugby International Marketing CEO will begin immediately.

Among Melville's biggest wins was landing the 2018 Rugby World Cup 7s.

Bob Latham, USA Rugby Chairman of the Board said: "It has been a singular pleasure to work so closely with Nigel over the decade that he has held the dual roles of USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations. He has propelled USA Rugby forward on every level. He leaves with our everlasting gratitude, our blessings, and our expectations that he will remain a friend of USA Rugby in his new position."

While Mr. Melville will officially leave USA Rugby at the end of June 2016, the search for his replacement is already underway with over 150 applicants that are currently being evaluated. His term as CEO of USA Rugby was set to expire at the end of 2016.

"It has been an honor to serve the USA Rugby community through these exciting times," said Melville. "We have made great progress together and the game continues to grow at every level. I wish everyone continued success and look forward to continuing to support the efforts of USA Rugby in the future.

"I will always look back at my time with USA Rugby fondly. I know that what makes and will continue to make this organization so great are the people who work at the National Office, the Board of Directors and Congress, Member Organizations as well as active and former members, the fans and countless more. The future is incredibly bright for USA Rugby thanks to the tireless work of those in the rugby community."