The Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Ken Freer has resigned a day after the Reds' crushing loss of playmaker Berrick Barnes.
The QRU is now looking for its fourth CEO in six years.
Barnes left the Reds after being disillusioned by the franchise's poor record in his four-year Super 14 stint since switching from rugby league's Brisbane Broncos.
Barnes has signed a a one-year deal with New South Wales with the option for another in 2011 when a new Australian franchise is expected to enter the expanded Super 15.
His defection followed Queensland's loss of Japan-bound Test forward Hugh McMeniman and the inability to recruit key targets Rocky Elsom, Richard Brown and Drew Mitchell.
