Nigel Wood named Chair of Rugby Football League as RFL issue board update

The Rugby Football League have confirmed that Nigel Wood OBE will be it’s Chair, after an interim period led to him taking on the role permanently.

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.

Having being appointed as Chair of RL Commercial in June, Wood has now been named as the permanent Chair of the governing body on a permanent basis.

He has been selected by the RFL Nominations Committee, who have also made the decision on four independent non-executive directors roles.

Dermot Power and Lord Jonathan Caine will serve for a four-year period while Sara Symington has been appointed for three years and Emma Rosewarne MBE will sit until March 2028.

Wood himself will serve a 12-month term, with the option for the new, independent and permanent RFL board to prolong his role by a further 12 months.

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Nigel Wood appointed permanent Chair of Rugby Football League

Commenting on his permanent position, Wood was delighted to be selected for the job, and has set out a commitment to keep developing and expanding the sport.

He said: “I am honoured and grateful that members have voted for me to Chair the RFL Board as we undertake important work in our bid to grow the sport.

“There is much to be enthused about as Super League celebrates its 30th birthday and we continue to implement the important findings of our Strategic Review.

“With the rest of the Board also now confirmed, I’m looking forward to working together with all of Rugby League’s stakeholders as we formulate a strategic plan of delivery and change.”