RFL CEO Tony Sutton announces decision to stand down

Tony Sutton has announced his decision to stand down from his role as RFL chief executive.

Sutton has been in the role since succeeding Ralph Rimmer in December 2022 and he has overseen what has been a testing period for the sport in the post-Covid era, with the IMG grading system being put into effect.

However, he has made the decision to step down from his role and while he has discussed it with the RFL board, he hasn’t revealed quite when he will officially part ways with the governing body. He will work with the board over the coming weeks in regards to succession planning.

The decision comes after what has been a challenging few months, with the governing body coming under criticism due to the Salford Red Devils mess. Nigel Wood’s return to the organisation has also brought a number of huge changes.

A statement from the RFL has confirmed that Sutton will continue to assist the board in a number of specific areas for the remainder of the season, with Super League expansion being firmly at the top of the agenda.

Sutton has spent eight and a half years with the RFL, joining in February 2017 and working his way up to the CEO role. He worked at Hull FC before joining the governing body.

RFL CEO announces decision to leave

In the statement released by the governing body, Sutton said on his decision: “It has been a privilege to work in a sport I have come to love over more than two decades, with Hull FC and the RFL – and especially to hold the position of Chief Executive of the RFL for the last three years.

“There have inevitably been major challenges during that period, most obviously the pandemic of 2020 – but throughout them all, it is the commitment and support of the staff of the RFL that I will remember the most fondly.

“Rugby League is a unique sport, full of special people, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities and experiences it has provided.

“To the RFL staff, including the match officials and so many other unsung heroes of the sport, I wish huge success and enjoyment, as the 2025 domestic season reaches its crescendo followed by a men’s Ashes series in England, and a Wheelchair series in Australia.”

The RFL board issued a short message, too. That read: “We would like to thank Tony for his considerable contribution to the sport and to the governing body over the last decade.

“He was a key figure in his role as Chief Operating Officer in securing the DCMS loan funding package which was so important in steering Rugby League through the unique challenges of the Covid pandemic.

“He led on the relocation of the sport’s headquarters to the Etihad Campus in Manchester, and as Chief Executive he has formed and chaired the Brain Health Committee, to drive forward the sport’s policy on player safety.

“The RFL and Rugby League Commercial have strong executive management teams who, supported by both Boards, are well-placed to maximise the exciting prospects and opportunities for the sport this autumn and into 2026, allowing us to run our recruitment process.”