Corcoran, who joined Athletics Australia in 2004, oversaw the most successful period in the sport's history in Australia.

He led it to its most successful Commonwealth Games ever in Melbourne in 2006, Australia's best Olympic Games since 1968 in Beijing in 2008 and Australia's most successful World Championships of all time in Berlin last year.

This period of sustained success continued last month when Australia achieved its best-ever result at the World Indoor Championships in Doha, claiming two gold and one bronze medal.

Corcoran, who will take on the role of general manager rugby operations with the new Melbourne Rebels, who are due to join the expanded Super 15 tournament next year, admitted that he was sad to leave.

He said: "It is with mixed emotions that range from sadness to excitement that I announce my resignation from Athletics Australia after almost six years of service.

"I would like to thank all members of the athletics fraternity for their support and friendship over the past five-and-a-half years and look forward to the national championships in Perth, where we will conduct our biggest national titles for many years and select the largest Australian team ever sent to an overseas international athletics competition.

"In particular, I would like to thank President Rob Fildes and the Board Directors for their support and guidance over my time as CEO.

"This support was invaluable as we took on the huge challenge of rebuilding the sport in Australia following the 2004 Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Review into athletics.

"I would also like to thank the management team and the hardworking staff within Athletics Australia for their dedication and countless hours of service.

"I thank the ASC and its Executive for their support and encouragement over the years; we simply could not run the sport without the support of the Australian Government and the ASC.

"I will not depart the role immediately but will assist the Board and staff through a transition phase whilst a suitable replacement is found."

Under Corcoran’s leadership Australia has risen to number 10 on the list of internationally-ranked athletics teams and will look to the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, in October with hopes for 30 track and field medals.

Steve Hooker (pictured), the Commonwealth, Olympic, world and world indoor pole vault champion, led the tributes from the athletes.

He said: "Danny has been in charge of Athletics Australia over a very successful period in the sport.

"He’s shown a lot of support to the athletes and on behalf of the Australian team I’d like to wish him well for the future."

Fildes said:."Danny has left the sport much better than he found it and his contribution has been most valuable to Australian athletics.

"Athletics Australia has indeed improved its position in a far-ranging variety of disciplines that Danny has worked on.

"It has been a pleasure for me to work with Danny and I will miss his company and counsel.

"Danny departs the role of CEO at a time of financial stability and will leave the organisation in a position where it may readily take the next step forward.

"The process of finding a replacement will commence as soon as possible and we are positive about the potential to bring someone new into the role who can continue to grow the sport.

"On behalf of the Board of Athletics Australia, I’d like to congratulate Danny on a job well done.

"We wish him every success in his future endeavours."