Former Otley star Melville wants RFU top job (From Wharfedale Observer)

Former Otley star Melville wants RFU top job

11:29am Thursday 16th June 2011 in General

Former Otley rugby star Nigel Melville is to apply to be the Rugby Football Union’s next chief executive.

The RFU is looking for a replacement for John Steele, who was ousted on Friday following a chaotic search for a new elite performance director.

Melville, who captained England as a player and has coached Gloucester and Wasps, is currently president and chief executive of USA Rugby and is a widely-respected figure.

He wrote on Twitter: “I will apply for the ceo job, it's what I have been doing for the last four years.

The 50-year-old, whose playing career was blighted by a series of neck, shoulder, knee and ankle injuries, sent the message to RFU council member Andrew Sarek.

Melville, who has been in his role with USA Rugby since October 2006, had been on the RFU’s early short list for the performance director position but withdrew from the running after deciding it was destined for Sir Clive Woodward.

“For the record they spoke to me, was on the short list, withdrew when I heard it was SCW’s – so why bother.” Melville wrote in another message on Twitter.