Rugby Football League confirm ‘reshaped’ board structure and timeline for longer term arrangements

The Rugby Football League have confirmed the current board structure after recent reshuffles and the club-launched Strategic Review of the sport.

It’s been a year of change at the RFL with plenty of comings and goings but clarity is coming through with a statement confirming just how the ‘reshaped’ board looks after a recent meeting.

Among the biggest changes was the return of Nigel Wood to the RFL with Wood formerly holding a role before leaving with a major pay-off, something that rugby league fans have not forgotten.

Stepping away from his role with Bradford Bulls, Wood was brought in to lead the Strategic Review of the sport which was launched by the clubs with Leigh’s Derek Beaumont and Leeds Rhinos’ Gary Hetherington among those at the forefront.

Wood’s role has now been confirmed to be that of ‘Senior Executive Director’ and ‘Chair of the Strategic Review Committee’.

What does the Rugby Football League board look like?

Releasing a statement, the Rugby Football League provided a brief update on the recent meeting on June 3rd to simply confirm that the reshaped board is working with the Strategic Review Committee.

Details of those who are executive members of the board (four) and non-executive members (five) was also confirmed, as well as the three observers.

Whilst appointments had previously been confirmed, this serves as confirmation for each member’s specific title whilst also confirming last week’s meeting and a plan for future meetings. It was confirmed that this interim board will remain in place until at least the RFL’s Summer Council meeting, set to be held in June. Longer term arrangements will be confirmed after.

Nigel Wood is joined by Tony Sutton (RFL’s Chief Executive), Rob Graham (RFL Director of Finance, Facilities and Central Services) and Martn Coyd (Chair of Wheelchair Rugby League) as the four executive board members.

Those on the Strategic Review Committee were confirmed to be Nigel Wood (chair), Martin Coyd, and the five non-executive board members; Lord Jonathan Caine (2021 RL World Cup Board Member), Joanna Coates (Board member of the FA Women’s National League), Abi Ekoku (Chair of RL Players Association), Dermot Power (consultant at FRP advisory) and Emma Rosewarne (former RFL Head of of Welfare).

Full details on those involved can be seen in the RFL statement here.