Bradford Bulls have made a decision on their chairman after the role was left vacant following Nigel Wood’s RFL appointment.
Wood has been hoisted into the RFL with Leeds Rhinos’ Gary Hetherington and Leigh Leopards’ Derek Beaumont tasked to find someone to chair a strategic review panel.
That came following Simon Johnson’s decision to resign as chair of the RFL with the role of leading that review thrust upon Wood, who was previously paid a large sum of money to leave the RFL in 2018.
Since that RFL exit, Wood has been involved with Bradford Bulls and it was confirmed that he would step down from his role as chairman so as to avoid a conflict of interest.
Bradford have now released a statement regarding how they will replace the newly-appointed RFL man, with the Bulls sharing that update on their club website.
It read: “Bradford Bulls have provided the following update after the club’s CEO statement, last week, in relation to Nigel Wood, OBE, stepping down from his role as Chairman of Bradford Bulls.”
“Following last week’s statement, the club’s Board of Directors met to discuss the club’s next steps in relation to our Chairman’s departure to take up an interim role with the RFL.
“After discussion and careful consideration, the Board were united in deciding that the club doesn’t need to appoint a replacement Chairman, interim or otherwise, at this stage.
“Instead, CEO, Jason Hirst will assume the majority of the Chairman’s duties with help and support from the club’s experienced and knowledgeable Board of Directors.”
Wood’s appointment was the source of controversy but Beaumont and Hetherington’s statement gave him a glowing review.
They stated: “Furthermore, and to negate damaging speculation, we would like to make it clear, Nigel has never sought, nor has he been offered any remuneration for this project. He is considered without doubt by those who have proposed him to be the best and most experienced person for the job given his extensive knowledge of all aspects of the game which can only have been further reinforced having also gained experience of running a club.”
Wood’s statement saw him explain that he had “reluctantly advised the board that I will stand down” from the role, however, with no replacement it could be the case that he can assume it once again when this RFL review is completed.
