The reshaping of the RFL continues with three major appointments including IMG Head of Sport

The reshaping of Rugby League’s governance continues.

In the aftermath of IMG’s proposals and the announcement of Ralph Rimmers’ departure, another major step has taken another significant step forward with the appointment of three external non-executive directors to complete the inaugural Board of RL Commercial.

The six-strong Board of RL Commercial will be led by Frank Slevin, whose appointment as Chair was announced in August.

He will be joined by Simon Johnson, the current Chair of the RFL; and, as also confirmed in August, by Ed Mallaburn, IMG Media’s Head of Sport, as part of IMG’s 12-year strategic partnership with Rugby League.

The Board has been completed by the appointment of three further non-executive directors following a recruitment process involving the leading international executive search specialists Perrett Laver:

Anna Chanduvi, the Sports and Entertainment Media Partnerships lead at Meta, having previously managed content strategy and rights acquisition for beIN Sports;

Peter Hutton, a vastly experienced sports media specialist who has held senior roles with Eurosport, Fox Sports and, most recently, Meta, having started his career as a Rugby League reporter with Pennine Radio and Sky Sports;

Jonathan Murphy, the CEO of the listed medical property specialists Assura who is also Chair of the North West Business Leadership Team.

Frank Slevin said: “I am delighted and excited to confirm the appointment of Anna, Peter and Jonathan which completes the first Board of the recently formed commercial arm of Rugby League.

“The calibre of applicants was outstanding. Like the quality of these appointments, that is a measure of the opportunity we have as a sport and as a new organisation.

“This is a vital moment in time for Rugby League, as we look to build not only on the legacy of the World Cup, and especially its inclusivity, with breakthrough viewing figures for the Women’s and Wheelchair competitions as well as the Men’s matches, but on the untapped potential for our sport more broadly.

“We have high ambitions, and our commitment to delivering on those ambitions, in partnership with IMG, is reflected in the exceptional talent we have drawn together with these appointments.”