Brumbies boss also heads to the exit
The upheavals continue at the Brumbies, with longstanding Chief Executive Andrew Fagan resigning less than six months after renewing his contract with the Super Rugby franchise.
Fagan's departure follows South African World Cup winner Jake White quitting as coach, with two seasons remaining on his contract.
Fagan has been CEO of the 2013 Super Rugby finalists for the past eight years, but said his sudden exit was merely a matter of timing.
He will leave his position at the end of the year.
Fagan joined the Brumbies in 2002 as General Manager having previously worked with the Australian Sports Commission for nine years.
He was promoted to Chief Executive in 2005 and has held the position since.
"It's time," Fagan said.
"Earlier this year, I extended my contract for a final one-year term and agreed to work with the board on a succession plan to help with a smooth transition to a new chief executive.
"But with the sale of the Griffith site complete, construction of our new facility at the University of Canberra taking shape, the new coaching framework settled and a healthy sponsorship program in place, it became clear that now is the best time for a successful transition.
"Leaving now will allow a new Chief Executive time to settle in and apply new thinking where needed for 2014, but most importantly, he or she will be here to lead the strategic planning for season 2015 and beyond. That wouldn't have been possible if I stayed on until the end of next season.
"It's a sad day to walk away from an organisation I love but it's the right decision for me and the right decision for the Brumbies."
Brumbies Chairman Sean Hammond said Andrew Fagan will be hard to replace.
"Andrew leaves a substantial legacy," Hammond said.
"He's done many great things for the Brumbies, first as General Manager and then as CEO. He's led the organisation back to the top of the Super Rugby world, lead the sale of our headquarters at Griffith, the establishment of a unique partnership with the University of Canberra and built a solid financial and high performance culture.
"He leaves the organisation in great shape and we thank him for all his hard work and wish him well for the future."
Fagan said he was looking forward to exploring new challenges.
"I'm very excited about the future, but in the short term, I'm looking forward to a rest." Fagan said.
"I'm going to take Christmas and summer to sit on the beach and read a few books and we'll see what the new year brings. One thing I have done is sign up for a Brumbies membership so I will be in the stands next year cheering the team on which will be different and a lot of fun.
"The Brumbies have never been in better shape coming in to a new season. It's the right time for someone else to come in and take on a role which is clearly one of the best in world rugby.
"I'd sincerely like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. It's a role not without its challenges but the Brumbies is a genuinely supportive community where everyone pulls together.
"I'd like to thank firstly the Brumbies fans who are the lifeblood of the place and the players, coaches, staff and board who work so hard for success. It's been a privilege to serve as the CEO and I look forward to continuing my association with the club for many years to come."
