Sir Tasker Watkins' report led to the restructuring of the WRU

In his time at the Union, Sir Tasker oversaw the switch from the amateur era to professionalism and the move from club to regional rugby.

"He'll go down in history as probably the greatest ever president of the WRU," said WRU chairman Dai Pickering.

"He was able to change with the times and he played a major part in the recent changes to the game."

Pickering added that a new president will be appointed by 26 September.

Sir Tasker, 87, became the first man since Sir David Rocyn Jones in 1953 to hold office for more than one season, and his 11 years make him the second longest serving president in the WRU's 123 year history.

During the Second World War, he served as a major in the Welsh Regiment and was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1944.

A knighthood followed 1971, he was made a Privy Counsellor in 1980 and awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) in 1990 and the Knight of St John (KStJ) in 1998.