Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill has officially taken over as chairman of casino operator Echo Entertainment Group’s board.

Mr O’Neill takes over from John Story who stepped down on June 8 following a campaign to remove him by James Packer, head of rival casino operator Crown.

Mr O’Neill, a non-executive board director and chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union, subsequently assumed the role of Echo’s acting chairman.

His appointment received Mr Packer’s support.

Mr Packer, seeking a presence in the lucrative Sydney gaming market, wanted to to increase his influence on Echo, which holds the city’s sole casino licence.

Crown took a 10 per cent holding in Echo.

Echo operates The Star in Sydney, the Jupiters casinos on the Gold Coast and in Townsville, and the Treasury casino in Brisbane.

Crown operates the Crown casino in Melbourne and the Burswood casino in Perth.