Former Leeds captain appointed to CCRL Board

The CCCRL (Canada Co-Operative Championship Rugby League) have announced former Leeds Rhinos’ captain Stevie Ward has been appointed to the Board of Directors and named Director of Welfare and Safety.

The former Leeds and England academy international has had to overcome a series of injuries during the course of his career that included 10 operations and three major concussions all before the age of 27.

In 2016, he created “Mantality”, an educational platform and podcast for men to understand and improve their own mindset and mental health.

The primary focus and main element of this position is to create a new and improved model of player welfare that will reflect the core values of the CCCRL competition and organisation from a mental and physical health standpoint.

Ward said: “The concept of CCCRL lit me up from the moment I heard about it. I am proud to be a part of something that is building a league where the welfare and safety of the people on the pitch is paramount.

“I and the rest of the CCCRL team are dedicated to implementing a culture where the player’s individual needs, talents, and wider life dreams are at the heart of the game’s success.

“The CCCRL will be an organisation that hopes to offer players the opportunity to perform at the highest level within sport but also build their brand, skills, and dreams so that they can have success that outlasts their playing career.”

Vice President of CCRL Sandy Shipley added: “In order for us to grow and develop this competition in North America, we need people like Stevie to help us meet our vision and expectations.

“We are going to rely heavily on Stevie as he undertakes what we feel is the most important and crucial element of our league which is placing a great deal of emphasis on the health and safety for all our players, coaches and employees worldwide.

“Stevie has seen and been through the all the rigours of the sport of Rugby League and there’s nobody out there that we trust more and is better suited to take on this significant role in our organisation.”