Baron had been expected to face a vote of no confidence

Cattermole appears to have lost a political battle which has resulted in the RFU council backing his alleged rival, chief executive Francis Baron.

Baron was reported to be facing a vote of no confidence at a meeting of the organisation's management board.

But he will stay at the helm of English rugby's governing body, which accepted Cattermole's resignation "with regret".

The RFU council released a statement after Friday's meeting which said the resignation had been accepted, noting "the potential damage which could have been done to the Union following press speculation about internal conflict".

The statement added that the council had resolved "to put internal divisions behind it and work together in accordance with the principles of good governance for the benefit of the game in England".

RFU president Malcolm Phillips will act as chairman of the management board until further notice.

Baron has been at loggerheads with England's professional clubs over the amount of time players spend on international duty, the proliferation of Test matches and relegation from the Zurich Premiership.

He quit last week from the board of England Rugby Ltd, which runs the professional game in England.

Baron leaves England Rugby Ltd

Baron has backed the huge investment made in the national team, including their accomodation in top-class facilities and an expansion of support staff.

He has been the RFU's chief executive since 1999 and has turned around the organisation's finances.