The NSW Rugby Union and Waratahs are both looking for a new boss after chief executive Jim L'Estrange announced his resignation on Friday.

L'Estrange will stand down from the dual roles in August but has accepted a request to remain on the Waratahs board to ensure a smooth transition period.

The boards of both the NSWRU and Waratahs Rugby accepted his resignation after three years in charge as CEO.

No specific reason was given for L'Estrange's decision except he said the time was right after helping to create a separate business entity to operate the Waratahs.

"With the expansion of Super Rugby in 2011, these are exciting times for rugby in Australia so there are some mixed emotions in leaving," he said in a statement.

"However after going through the process of creating the Waratahs Board, the next step was always going to be the change to management structures across both entities.

"This is the right time for those changes to take place, so it is the right time to step aside."

Waratahs Rugby chairman Ed Zemancheff paid tribute to L'Estrange's efforts in his three-year tenure.

"Whilst we are sorry to see Jim go, we respect his reasons to do so, and wish to express our appreciation for the great work and results he achieved in running Australia's oldest and most successful rugby organisation," Zemancheff said.

"During Jim's three years at NSW Rugby, the HSBC Waratahs finished second, fifth and third contesting two Super 14 semi-finals and a final and were the top-ranked Australian side in all three seasons."

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