Championship club sees director depart with RFL cited as reason for exit

Championship side Widnes Vikings have confirmed that one of their board members has left the club with immediate effect.

Andrew Horabin will leave after 11 months at the Vikings, and has been a committed and influential person in helping the club develop over the past year.

However, in a quite eye-opening revelation, Widnes have confirmed that his exit comes down to the Rugby Football League (RFL) and their “regulatory framework”.

Per the club statement, Horabin believes the framework “significantly limit the club’s ability to strengthen the squad, improve team performance, and provide additional support and opportunities for players.”

With that adversity, and it is adversity all second tier sides are facing not just the Vikings, he believes that he is no longer able to deliver the level of ambition and on-field competitiveness that the club, and it’s fans, deserve.

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Board member leaves Championship club with RFL labelled as reason for departure

Commenting on his decision, Horabin said: “Widnes Vikings is a club that means a great deal to me and to so many people in the town. I am incredibly proud of the efforts of the players, staff and supporters.

“Unfortunately, the current restrictions placed on the club, along with the sustainable budgeting policies, make it extremely challenging to invest in ways that would help improve performances and create better opportunities for the playing group. After much thought, I feel it is the right time for me to step aside.”