Two RFL board members resign amid concerns about ‘moves contrary to proper governance’

Two members of the RFL board have resigned citing concerns about the recent changes to the governing body. Dr Cherrie Daley and Julia Newton have released a joint statement to outline the reasons for their decision describing the moves made as ‘contrary to proper governance’.

Their resignations come at the end of an turbulent week for the governing body, with chairman Simon Johnson stepping down from his position, while Sandy Lindsay and Robert Hicks have also left the organisation recently. Johnson’s departure was followed by a statement from the RFL revealing that resolutions put forward by Derek Beaumont and Gary Hetherington had been accepted.

Together Beaumont and Hetherington have taken on the role of appointing a chair for a strategic review of the game, with that person also taking on the interim chair of the RFL role. The pair have chosen Nigel Wood, who will be returning to the RFL for the first time since being paid a significant chunk of money to leave the organisation in 2018.

Daley and Newton will officially leave the board on March 21. A joint statement read: “Whilst we are sad to leave the RFL Board and the sport, given recent and current events, we feel there is no other option. As Directors, with the responsibilities carried, we have set out why recent moves have been contrary to proper governance and, having outlined potential effects, feel that we must step down.

“We are, of course, also concerned about questions raised openly this week around historic behaviour and culture. Now, having made sure that these could be addressed sensitively and through the right processes, we feel that we can step aside.

“In recent days we have spoken to Sport England and met with people in the game who wanted to share concerns. The best interests of the sport and all of its people are paramount and we will continue to work with these principles and support Tony until the day we depart.”

RFL chief executive Tony Sutton added: “I would like to thank Cherrie and Julia for their work with the RFL, their service to the sport and their support for me.

“They are clear in the reasons for their resignations and it is a mark of their care and diligence that they will work with me over the next week.

“Each has been an exceptional colleague and guide and I am sorry to see them leave. We will explain the next steps for the Board, following further discussions, next week”

Daley has been on the RFL board since November 2022 and serves as chair of the RFL’s coaching and performance sub-committee and board lead for UK Anti-Doping. Newton joined the board in July 2024 and chairs the RFL’s Audit and Risk Committee.