Bill Beaumont has been appointed Rugby Football Union chairman on an interim basis following the resignation of Tom Ilube.
Ilube stepped down on Friday morning in response to the outcry over the executives' pay and bonus scandal that has gripped Twickenham at a time when the RFU has reported record losses and made over 40 staff redundant.
Former England captain Beaumont has been chosen by the board to fill the role until a permanent replacement for Ilube is found.
"I am honoured to be taking on the role on an interim basis and would like to pay tribute to the great work and passion of Tom Ilube," Beaumont said.
"We now must look forward and I hope I can help to unite the game and drive forward the game of rugby in England at both an international level and in the community game."
Ilube's resignation followed an outcry over RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney being paid £1.1million (€1.3m) for the 2023-24 financial year, which comprised an increased salary of £742,000 and bonus of £358,000.
"I have decided to step down from my role as chair of the RFU as recent events have become a distraction from the game, but will stay on to ensure a smooth transition to a new chair as soon as one is in place," Ilube said in a statement issued by the RFU.
The RFU, which held an emergency council meeting on Wednesday, has announced an independent review of its executive pay scheme.
Ilube had been facing motions calling for his removal after a grassroots revolt gathered enough support to trigger a special general meeting.
Large swathes of the game are in uproar at the amount earned by Sweeney given the RFU reported an operating loss of £37.9m (€45.6m) for the same period – the highest it has ever recorded.
In addition, 42 staff were made redundant in September, the England men’s team won just five of their 12 matches in 2024 and grassroots participation is in decline.
Sweeney’s position is also under threat, with a motion for the RFU board to dismiss him set to be tabled at the forthcoming SGM.
Ilube was head of the remuneration committee which signed off the long-term incentive plan that is the basis for the bonuses awarded to Sweeney and other executives.
However, it is understood widespread anger over the RFU’s leadership pre-dates the fallout of the pay scandal that has gripped Twickenham since late November.
Additional areas of contention include the mishandling of Eddie Jones’ removal as England head coach in 2022, the botched introduction of the new tackle height in the community game, declining participation numbers and the defunding of the Championship.
