insidethegames understands that an official announcement of the move, which is entirely amicable, is imminent.

It is thought that the former World Cup-winning rugby coach will maintain ties to the BOA in an ambassadorial role.

He is also expected to retain his seat on the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Entourage Commission, which is chaired by former pole-vaulter and current IOC Executive Board member Sergey Bubka.

As Deputy Chef de Mission during London 2012, Woodward will be credited with having an important hand in the Great Britain team's stellar performance in winning 65 medals and finishing third in the medals table in their home Olympic Games.

However, questions over his role at the BOA re-emerged last month, when chief executive Andy Hunt unveiled a planned restructuring that involves cutting the number of top staff.

While Woodward's decision to move on is not thought to have been influenced by the BOA's financial position, money at the body is tight and a round of post-London 2012 downsizing had been widely anticipated.

The organisation will, moreover, soon be under new leadership, with London 2012 head Sebastian Coe set to succeed Colin Moynihan as chairman on November 7, when Moynihan steps down after six years in charge.

Much interest will now inevitably focus on Woodward's next move.

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