Steele, a former player, coach and director of Northampton Saints, is to replace Francis Baron as chief executive of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Steele took over as UK Sport chief executive in July 2005 just days before London won the contest to host the 2012 Olympics.

He said: "I am delighted to be taking up the role of chief executive at the RFU, and am very much looking forward to what I know will be a big challenge in the sport that I am immensely passionate about.

"The next five years will be hugely exciting times for English rugby, culminating in a home World Cup in 2015.

"During this time I will be totally committed to ensuring a legacy is created from the World Cup at both a community and elite level, whilst building on the sound commercial basis already created at Twickenham.

"The decision to move on was an incredibly difficult one.

"I am extremely proud of UK Sport and what it has achieved over the past few years, and what I am sure it will go on to achieve.

"It has a vital role to play not just in ensuring our athletes' success in London 2012 but also helping to shape the future of the sporting landscape in the UK.

"I know that I leave it not only in safe hands but full of talented, experienced and committed people whom it has been a pleasure to lead."

Baron is retiring after 11 years in the position and Steele, who will officially leave UK Sport at the end of next month, has a tough act to follow with England winning the World Cup in 2003 and getting to the final four years later during Baron's tenure.

He also revolutionised the RFU in commercial terms, turning a £10 million ($14 million) loss to a £9 million (£13 million) profit and turnover of £119 million ($173 million) last year.

But, under Steele, UK Sport were instrumental in helping Britain achieve its best-ever overseas performance at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008.

The team finished fourth overall with a record 47 medals, 19 of them gold, including three for Chris Hoy, who was knighted for his achievement, as Britain's cyclists dominated their sport.

The success came after Steele had successfully fought against throat cancer shortly after taking up his new role at UK Sport.

He underwent an intensive course of radiotherapy and chemotheraphy before returning to work.

Sue Campbell, the chair of UK Sport, said: "While we are all very sad to see John go, we are also very proud that he has got what for him is the job of a lifetime.

"As a rugby man it was too good for him to turn down, and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone at UK Sport.

"Since joining five years ago, John has made a terrific impact at UK Sport and has led the organisation to a place where it is respected both in the UK and internationally for its leadership in performance sport.

"That he has been able to move on to one of the most high profile CEO roles in British sport speaks volumes I think not just for him but also the reputation and credibility of the organisation as a whole.

"I would like to place on record my personal thanks for his incredible passion, loyalty and support over the past five years and to wish him well in what will be a challenging but hugely rewarding new role."

The tributes to Steel were led by Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012.

He said: "John is an exceptional sports leader and our teams have enjoyed working closely with him during his time at UK Sport.

"During his stewardship he brought focus, commitment and passion to the cause of elite level performance.

"I know our world class competitors and their National Governing Bodies will miss their day-to-day involvement with him.

"With those experiences and relationships under his belt he will prove an invaluable asset as he returns to his roots in rugby."

Hugh Robertson, the Olympic and Sports Minister, was also glowing in his praise of what Steele has achieved at UK Sport.

He said: "John Steele has done a first class job as the CEO of UK Sport - an organisation primarily responsible for the preparation of our athletes for London 2012.

"His proudest achievement will almost certainly be our excellent result in the medal table in Beijing.
 
"It is, therefore, no surprise that he has been snapped up by the RFU as they look towards the World Cup in 2015.

"As a former rugby player with Northampton Saints, and a proven track record as chief executive at UK Sport, I have no doubt that he will make an extremely impressive impact."

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