Northampton Saints chief executive Mark Darbon is to step down in November after over seven years to take on a similar role in charge of The R&A.

The 45-year-old will replace Martin Slumbers, who announced after overseeing this year's Open Championship at Royal Troon and AIG Women's Open at St Andrews.

"Leading The R&A as their chief executive is a fantastic opportunity for Mark, and we wish him and his family the very best up in Scotland," said Saints chairman John White.

"Given Mark’s calibre and his capability as a leader, it was inevitable that one day he would be approached to take on a leading role within one of the most reputable sporting organisations in the world – so this move, while disappointing for the club, is not surprising and we have planned for this moment.

"I’ve enjoyed every minute working with him, he deserves this opportunity, and I have no doubt that he will have a huge impact at The R&A and bring that organisation the same success as he has here at Saints."

Darbon was head of pre-Games events for the London Olympics from November 2020 to May 2012 and was then in charge of operations at the Olympic Park itself.

Under Boyd, they won the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2018-19, with his eventual successor Phil Dowson, working alongside him as an assistant coach.

BBC Sport