New ARU chief executive Bill Pulver believes he doesn’t need a deputy to run Australian rugby, with confirmation long-serving executive Matt Carroll will stand down from his position next month.

Carroll was the deputy to John O’Neill for many years and, when the former CEO stepped aside late last year, he took over as the interim boss until Pulver was appointed to the top position in January.

But Pulver has decided on a new direction for the ARU under his watch, bringing an end to deputy CEO Carroll’s near-two decade involvement in rugby administration.

It seems he won’t be replaced.

Carroll was at the forefront of leading the game throughout the professional era, but joins O’Neill and high performance director David Nucifora as recent departures.

“He and I talked about the direction of Australian rugby going forward and that won’t involve a deputy CEO,” Pulver told The Australian.

Pulver said in an ARU statement that Carroll would leave a big hole.

“While I am disappointed to lose a leader of Matt’s stature, with such deep knowledge of Australian Rugby, I do understand that having devoted 18 years of his life to our game, he now feels it is time to move on,” said Pulver.

Carroll has held senior positions at both NSW rugby and the ARU, but will leave the ARU on March 31 to pursue other interests.

One of his major achievements was his role as general manager of Rugby World Cup 2003 and he was awarded the Order of Australia the following year for his services to rugby.

Carroll served two periods as ARU deputy CEO.

“Many of the initiatives that have helped rugby achieve its status as one of the major professional sports in Australia have been led by Matt and, for that, we are truly grateful,” said Pulver.

“I know his association with the game will remain extremely close and we wish him every success with his future challenges.”