Abi Tierney will step away from her role as the Welsh Rugby Union's chief executive after being diagnosed with cancer.
Tierney, who took on the role in January 2024, will take time away from her duties at Welsh rugby's governing body from 22nd August - with no return date given.
She said: "This has not been an easy decision, but it is one I must make to focus fully on my health and recovery. I am grateful for the support I have already received from my family, friends, and colleagues, and I am confident in the team’s ability to continue our work during my absence."
"I kindly ask for understanding and privacy during this time."
WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood will take on Tierney's duties on a temporary basis in addition to his own.
He said: "I, together with the whole of the board and everyone involved with Welsh rugby wish Abi well over this period and the WRU is committed to supporting her during this time."
"In my role as chair, I will continue to have overall responsibility for the WRU and in order to provide cover and give Abi the space she needs, will be more involved in the immediate future."
Abi Tierney, a former civil servant who was director general of the Passport Office, was appointed two years ago this week as the WRU's first female CEO, following the departure of Steve Phillips.
But in the wake of sexism and racism allegations surrounding the WRU, Tierney would go onto take charge during a turbulent period for Welsh rugby.
On the pitch, a record losing streak of eighteen games saw the departure of head coach Warren Gatland midway through the men's Six Nations, which ended with back-to-back wooden spoons.
Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt stepped in, but only managed to finally end the barren run with last month's second Test win over Japan.
It's also been a fraught time for the women's squad - with the WRU admitting there were serious failings in how it handled contract talks, although it denied fresh allegations of sexism.
Ioan Cunningham was replaced by Sean Lynn as head coach, but this year's Six Nations ended in another wooden spoon and centre Hannah Jones - who spoke out publicly over the contract row - losing her captaincy ahead of the forthcoming Women's Rugby World Cup.
Off the pitch, the future of regional rugby is the most immediate issue as the WRU considers whether to cut one or two of its professional teams.
The following month, the WRU announced a two-tier funding system after the two teams in the West - Ospreys and Scarlets - refused to sign a new professional deal.
Last week, Tierney revealed the WRU would produce an "optimum solution" in the coming weeks in what she called a "once in a generation chance" to transform the game in Wales.
With the chief executive going on sick leave, the review will now be overseen by the chairman and director of rugby Dave Reddin, who joined the body in April.
Richard Collier-Keywood added: "Abi and the board have recruited a strong executive team which will continue to lead the WRU on a day-to-day basis, supported by Alison Thorne."
"The most important topic on our agenda right now is the consultation on the future of elite rugby in Wales. This will be led by our director of rugby and elite performance, Dave Reddin, as a member of the executive and I will take overall responsibility for its successful delivery, working closely with board members including Malcolm Wall as chair of the Professional Rugby Board, Amanda Bennett who leads at board level on our women’s game and Andrew Williams."
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