Rugby Football League CEO to step down

Nigel Wood is to leave the Rugby Football League in January after a decade as chief executive and 16 years as a board member of the Leeds-based company.

He will continue as chairman of Rugby League World Cup 2021 and is widely expected to take a job with the Rugby League International Federation.

Wood has been a figure who has divided opinion in the sport, with the game failing to grow under his leadership and the profile of the sport diminishing. His salary, which is in excess of £300,000, made him the best-paid person in UK rugby league in recent years.

Chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer, who was previously chief executive of Huddersfield Giants, will take on the role of RFL chief executive on an interim basis.

Wood said: “I am an unashamed rugby league fan and can think of no greater honour that be asked to fulfil the role of CEO for the Rugby Football League.

“However, leadership presents many tests, and the greatest of these is to recognise when it is time to step out and this is the right moment to do so.

“I would like to place on record my unreserved thanks to the many excellent colleagues, the clubs and all those that I have worked with throughout the last 16 years and wish them the best of luck for the future.”

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