RFL issue board update with decision made on Nigel Wood

The RFL have issued a board update to confirm Nigel Wood looks set to take the RFL chair role on a full-time basis.

Wood has held the position on an interim basis since March last year while working on a strategic review with the intention of bolstering the game’s position and standing. A number of big changes have come since, with Super League being expanded to 14 teams and changes being made to the overseas quota rules and the Championship format.

However, having being appointed as chair of RL Commercial in June, Wood has now been named the preferred candidate for the RFL position on a permanent basis. The recommendation comes from the RFL Nominations Committee, who have informed the RFL Council of their preference for the chair and independent non-executive directors roles.

As such, RFL Council members will now vote on the proposed appointments at a meeting March 24, with Wood expected to officially take the role afterwards.

The update has confirmed that the position of chair has been offered on an initial one-year basis, with the option of a second year.

The RFL Nominations Committee leading the Chair recruitment was made up of Jo Coates, Eamonn McManus, Peter Hutton, Jo Drapier, Neil Davidson and Dermot Power. The latter two names were not involved in the independent non-executive directors process, though.

The four independent non-executive directors nominated are Power, Emma Rosewarne, Lord Jonathan Caine and Sara Symington. Those roles have been offered on varying length terms.

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