The Rugby Football League have paid tribute to Maurice Watkins CBE, the highly respected sports law expert whose death at the age of 79 has been announced today.
Ralph Rimmer, the Chief Executive of the RFL, said: “Maurice Watkins made a significant contribution to Rugby League over almost two decades after joining the Board of the RFL as a Non-Executive Director in November 2002.
“He served the maximum of three four-year terms on our Board, where his wisdom and experience was highly valued, and served as Interim Chairman in 2012-13.
“Since leaving the RFL Board, he has continued to contribute as Chair of the European Rugby League, and I know his passing will be mourned by many people from our sport, both at home and abroad.
“He was a great character and those who were lucky enough to know him would tell you that he always had a twinkle in his eye and a bit of fun about him.
“On behalf of the RFL and the sport, I send condolences to his family and friends.”
Maurice Watkins was a director of Manchester United FC for 28 years from 1984-2012, and then became chairman of Barnsley FC, and he was also Chair of British Swimming.
He was awarded the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2011 for his services to charity.
