NIGEL Wood’s appointment as chief executive of the Rugby League International Federation has been confirmed.
The news comes just three days after Wood stood down as CEO of Britain’s Rugby Football League and two months after he was ousted from the board of Super League by clubs. The RLIF said the decision, which requires Wood to stand down as its chairman, was unanimous.
In a statement issued early Monday morning, Wood was quoted as saying: “I feel honoured and humbled to be asked to serve the RLIF as CEO for the next phase of its development.
“International rugby league is a wonderful and essential aspect of our sport as the images, testimonials and emotions of the recent World Cups have once again demonstrated.
“I believe these are exciting times as more and more people recognise the role of international rugby league has in developing the whole sport.
“New countries and investors are attracted to our sport and I look forward to working with all parties, clubs and other key stakeholders to ensure that we give players, supporters and commercial and broadcast partners the most compelling international calendar that we possibly can.”
John Grant, the departing Australian Rugby League Commission chairman, is favoured to replace Wood as RLIF chairman.
He was also quoted in the RLIF media release, saying: “”Nigel is a 10-year CEO with a proven track record as a rugby league administrator of the highest standard, is respected on both sides of the world, has an intimate understanding of the complex relationship between domestic and international rugby league, and provides a fast start in the role at a time when capitalising on the momentum created by the 2017 World Cups is critical.
“The RLIF board determined that the board’s nominations committee from Australia, New Zealand and Europe should in the first instance undertake a rigorous process with Nigel as its internal candidate to confirm his willingness and suitability to take the role. Failing this, it was then to undertake an external process.
“The committee was swayed not only by Nigel’s clear experience but also by his deep knowledge and sincere passion for international rugby league. Its recommendation that he was the right person to take the international game forward at the very exciting but challenging time was adopted unanimously by the full board.”
Appointments committee member Jon Bishop said: “I have worked with Nigel for two World Cup cycles now and numerous international tournaments and have seen first-hand his endeavours for the international game.
“The next few years are vital for international rugby league and the board believe Nigel is undoubtedly the right person to be bring focus and energy to our plans.”
