RFL confirm exit as Nigel Wood ‘set’ to replace Simon Johnson

The RFL have announced that their Chair Simon Johnson will step down after the scheduled spring Council meeting on Wednesday March 12.

This comes hot on the heels of reports of unrest among clubs who felt he was not performing the role at the level required.

All Out Rugby League reported last month that clubs were planning to eject the RFL Chair amid the discontent with the handling of many rugby league matters, including the Salford Red Devils’ financial saga which has dominated the sport over the last few months.

His resignation will end more than a decade serving the sport and nearly six years as RFL Chair. He was appointed interim Chair in July 2019 then named Chair in October 2019 and will now leave with 15 months remaining on his second term.

Johnson first joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director in July 2014. He had been Director of Rights & Business Affairs at ITV, spent two years as Director of Legal & Business Affairs at the Premier League, and worked alongside the CEO at the Football Association as Director of Corporate Affairs.

On his resignation, Simon Johnson said despite the scrutiny: “I am proud of all that we have achieved in my six years as Chair. It has always been my aim to lead an inclusive sport with integrity, honesty, authenticity and openness. My interest has always been to put Rugby League first.

“Now, to enable the sport to move forward constructively, I have decided to step down as Chair at close of business on Wednesday 12 March. There is a need to discuss how change can be made, without exposing the sport to undue risk, and I hope that by stepping down I can help those discussions to take place constructively.”

The RFL confirmed ‘the process of securing a new Chair will be decided in due course following a formal Review’.

Meanwhile, it has been reported in various rugby league media outlets that Nigel Wood is set to return and replace Johnson.

Wood remains a controversial figure after his previous prominent rugby league position, but it’s said enough clubs support the idea of his return that the announcement on Wednesday is now more of a formality.