By STEVE MASCORD
NIGEL Wood has stood down as Rugby Football League chief executive, saying he recognised it was time to go.
The news, announced by the RFL on Friday afternoon, comes less than two months after he was removed from the board of Super League after the clubs achieved a 75 per cent majority to make a constitutional change.
The development would appear to remove any remaining doubt that Wood will take over as CEO of the Rugby League International Federation.
Wood has been in the dual posts of Super League and RFL chief executive for 10 years and has been a board member of the RFL for 16.
The RFL statement said Wood was “one of the two original creators of Super League Ltd and instrumental in devising the grand final concept in 1998. He was also behind the introduction of the Magic Weekend, first brought into the sport in 2008 and secured the biggest commercial deal in the sports history with long term broadcast partner Sky Sports in 2014.”
The statement quoted the former Halifax official as saying: “I am extremely honoured and privileged to have served as chief executive of the Rugby Football League.
“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 sixteen years and wish them the best of luck for the future.”
RFL chairman Brian Barwick was quoted as saying: “Nigel has been a superb administrator, innovator and advocate for the sport of rugby league in this country.
“His range of achievements in the sport speak for themselves and he has brought a genuine love of the game to his work over many years. His time at the helm of the Rugby Football League will always be looked upon warmly and with great respect.”
The RFL media release went on to praise Wood for overseeing a successful World Cup in 2013 and attract
“After overseeing one of the most successful Rugby League World Cup’s ever in 2013, Wood recently helped the Rugby Football £25 million in government funding for the 2021 tournament.
Wood will continue as chairman of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 – a role that would not conflict with a move to replace the departing David Collier as RLIF CEO.
Chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer will act as interim CEO.
