RFL pay tribute to former Chairman Bob Ashby

The RFL has paid tribute to former Chairman Bob Ashby.

They have also sent condolences to his family and friends, and to the Featherstone Rovers club he served for so long after the Rovers confirmed he had passed away this week.

They released the following tribute:

“Bob was Chair of the RFL from 1987-93 before he was succeeded by Sir Rodney Walker, and played a leading role in the modernisation of the sport’s governance during that period – which included the formation of the Board of Directors.

“Prior to that, he had been Chairman of Featherstone from 1981-87 – a period which included their famous Wembley triumph against Hull FC in the 1983 Challenge Cup Final, as well as the contrasting challenges of the Miners’ Strike and the construction of a new main stand at Post Office Road – and having relinquished that position when he joined the RFL, he was appointed President, a role which he only now vacates.”

Simon Johnson, the current RFL Chair, said: “Bob Ashby will always be associated with Featherstone Rovers, but he also served the wider sport in his years as Chairman of the Rugby Football League.

“On behalf of the RFL, I pay tribute to him for that service, and send condolences to his family and friends, and to the Featherstone club.

“His contribution to the great sport of Rugby League will long be remembered with gratitude and affection.”