RFL confirm latest rugby league staff exit

Former rugby league referee Robert Hicks has been relieved of his duties at the RFL around six months after his initial suspension.

Hicks was suspended back in October along with Kerry Simmons, following an internal investigation on the issues around the governing body’s Public Interest Disclosure Policy.

Simmons was the governing body’s safeguarding manager across all levels of the game. His last day officially was 28th February and he has agreed to mutually depart his role.

He retired in 2021 following over 500 games in the middle, including two Challenge Cup finals, two Grand Final and two World Club Challenges, and has also officiated in three World Cups. He spent over 10 years as a full-time match official with the RFL and four years on, he looks set to leave the game permanently.

In a brief statement, the RFL has said: “The RFL and Robert Hicks have mutually agreed his departure from the RFL to enable him to pursue new opportunities away from the governing body.”

Hicks’ most recent role at the RFL was as director of operations and legal and he’s also had a company secretary role. The former rugby league referee has a background as a solicitor and has previously worked as the RFL’s head of legal whilst balancing refereeing.

It could be a busy week at the RFL as there could be plans to oust chair Simon Johnson from his role as soon as possible. It’s understood that several clubs are unhappy with his leadership and would prefer a change at the top.

One of those clubs is Leigh Leopards, with chairman Derek Beaumont being very vocal about what he thinks is required of the leadership role.

Talking to BBC Radio Manchester a couple of weeks ago, Beaumont thinks that it should be a full-time role and Johnson could not commit to that.

Beaumont said: “Simon certainly couldn’t be a full-time executive chairman so if that’s where it goes and if he thinks that’s the right thing for the sport, then he would need to step away.

“I think he is somebody who can answer his own questions. I’ve seen that there is a proposal there that December is when Simon would be looking to exit. For me, I think we need to see some change in the direction of travel.”

The exit of Hicks comes hot on the heels of Danika Priim standing down from her RFL role last month.