Hull KR CEO says Ralph Rimmer’s replacement will not be as “high profile” as he outlines expected future at RFL

The RFL is set for big change.

IMG have come in and begun their re-imagining of rugby league which will change promotion and relegation as well as the international game.

Whilst Ralph Rimmer’s time in charge is set to come to an end.

Last night speaking at a fan event, Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin revealed how he expects the RFL to change for the better and how the next appointment won’t be as big as Rimmer’s:

“It’s true the landscape has changed. I think the RFL’s future will be mainly around deciding the rule of the game.

“Rugby League Commercial will play a big part going forward. One of the problems is the number of commercial deals that are fragmented between Super League, RFL and the various broadcasters.

“The new body will allow all this money to be consolidated, with RL Commercial rugby the financial side of the game. The appointment will be important, but I don’t think it will be as high profile as Ralph’s role.”

Lakin also spoke about IMG:

“In the next 12 months there will be announcements of three levels of license, ABC, the intention is over a period of a few years to try and get all clubs in the professional game to the same standard,” he said at the fan event last night.

“I think IMG will be announcing only 4 clubs at grade A, but I believe it will be a high bar and one that’s aspirational.

“Once a grade A is achieved it will protect these clubs from relegation. There are a number of tough criteria to earn this status, but it’s clear what our ambition is as a club moving forward. It’s closely aligned to the NRL model, but it does mean any team that has ambition has a clear defined set of criteria to aim for, and I believe we really are heading in the right direction.”