In the four months that John has been with UK Sport, he has already made a tremendous contribution, in particular his leadership internally and with Government, the BOA and BPA and the Home Country Sports Councils. 

He told www.northamptonsaints.co.uk today: "Clearly, anyone receiving news of this sort is initially shocked but since then I have been spending my time thinking of positive strategies to meet this challenge head on.

"I am very fortunate to have a strong family and good friends and will be drawing on all their support during the next few months.

"Challenges comes in all shapes and sizes and this is one that I am determined to meet."

John left Northampton Saints in the summer after 17 years' involvement with the club as a player, coach and board director.