Debbie Jevans shocked rugby by resigning as chief executive of England ’ s World Cup organising committee less than six months before the tournament , citing personal reasons . Her walk-out was unexpected although she is understood to have had an uneasy relationship with people in rugby since her arrival in October 2012 . Previously director of sport at the London Olympics , she transformed England Rugby 2015 . Debbie Jevans poses with the Wiliam Webb Ellis trophy during a World Cup media event in November 2012 . It is believed Jevans was exasperated with the old-boy network at the top of the Rugby Football Union , once described as ‘ 57 old farts ’ by former England captain Will Carling , who had begun lining up to take credit for delivering a tournament that had been her ‘ baby ’ . The RFU ’ s plans for ‘ the glorification of the uninvolved ’ by taking back ownership of the tournament had upset Jevans , who is Sport England ’ s deputy chairman and on the Football League board . RFU finance chief Stephen Brown is the new ER 2015 managing director alongside chairman Andy Cosslett , who said : 'On behalf of the ER2015 Board I would like to extend our enormous appreciation for all that Debbie has brought to the role . Jevans was previously director of Olympic sport for the London 2012 Games . 'Her legacy will be seen during and after the tournament is delivered , with a sporting event that I fully believe will be both memorable and inspiring , creating a step change in interest and participation for the game in this country . ' World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset added : 'On behalf of World Rugby I would like to thank Debbie for her vision , dedication and leadership in implementing everything we need for an exceptional Rugby World Cup and wish her all the best for the future . We are confident that Rugby World Cup 2015 will be the biggest and best to date . '
Jevans had been at the helm of the Rugby World Cup Organising Committee since October 2012 . She is understood to have had an uneasy relationship with people in rugby since her arrival . It is believed Jevans was exasperated with the old-boy network at the top of the Rugby Football Union . 'This is the right decision for me to make at this time , ' Jevans said in a statement on Friday evening . She was previously director of Olympic sport for Rugby World Cup . England face Fiji in the tournament curtain-raiser on September 18 .