The 54-year-old, who took up the role in October 2012, having previously been director of sport at London 2012.

She leaves the role with just six months until the Rugby World Cup is due to get underway on September 18.

"This is the right decision for me to make at this time," Jevans said in statement.

"I am immensely proud of the team and all that we have achieved in the time that I have been chief executive.

"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."

Jevans' resignation comes a day after she was due to be the main speaker at a press conference in London about the launch of the official Trophy Tour and the fanzones, which was cancelled because officials claimed she was ill. 

Stephen Brown will take over Debbie Jevans' responsibilities after being announced as managing director of England Rugby 2015 ©Getty Images



Jevans' responsibilities will now be given to Stephen Brown, chief financial officer of the Rugby Football Union, after being appointed as the managing director.

He will work with Andy Cosslett, chairman of England Rugby 2015, to deliver the tournament.

England 2015 paid tribute to Jevans, a former tennis player who reached the last 16 of the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open during her career, in a statement, saying that she leaves "with plans for the tournament in excellent shape" and with "over 1.9 million tickets sold".

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."

Host England are due to kick-off the tournament on September 18, facing Fiji in the opening match. 

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