Australian John O'Neill has quit as director of the 2015 Rugby World Cup citing personal reasons, the International Rugby Board (IRB) said Tuesday.

O'Neill, a former chief of the Australian Rugby Union as well as the Football Federation Australia, confirmed his ­departure was effective immediately.

He held the role since March 2012 and IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said in a statement he "reluctantly accepted" the resignation.

O'Neill wished the organization success for next year's showpiece in England and the 2019 World Cup in Japan, with the IRB's executive committee meeting in March set to discuss a new appointment.

O'Neill's resignation came on the same day Michael O'Connor quit as coach of Australia's rugby sevens team, citing family reasons.