Nigel Wood OBE has been appointed as the Chair of Rugby League Commercial, having been nominated by the Boards of Super League Europe and the Rugby Football League.
He succeeds Frank Slevin, who stepped down earlier this week for personal reasons after serving his three-year term as RLC’s inaugural Chair.
Nigel Wood, who is also Senior Executive Director of the Rugby Football League, said:
“Firstly I’d like to pay tribute to Frank Slevin who has served the cause of Rugby League with diligence and integrity. I am sure he will be welcome around the sport for many years to come.
“I am pleased to assist the sport at this pivotal moment as it seeks the plan for growth that we are all determined to achieve.
“It was the clubs of all three divisions who made it clear that they were seeking change in how the centre could support their endeavours, initially with the move for a club-led strategic review.
“We have already made significant progress, both through the strategic review and in the reshaped Board of the Rugby Football League, and stakeholders have concluded there are obvious advantages in simplifying central administration of the sport.
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed so constructively and collaboratively so far. RL Commercial has delivered some impressive successes for the sport in recent months, with attendances and viewing figures heading in the right direction, and the exciting prospect of an Ashes series later this year – with two of the three Tests already sold out. I am convinced that Rugby League is on an upward trajectory.”
Peter Hutton, the Senior Independent Director of RL Commercial, said:
“Nigel’s unique experience in the sport has clearly earned the trust of the clubs. That ability to bring the stakeholders together is key as we look to build on a period of strong sponsorship and digital growth.”
Nigel Wood was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021 for his services to Rugby League.
He joined the RFL in 2001 as Finance Director having been the founding Secretary of Super League Europe, going on to become the RFL’s Operating Officer and Chief Executive before leaving in January 2018 to take up the CEO role at the Rugby League International Federation –
In his 17 years with the NGB he consistently delivered an annual profit, leading to significant revenue growth for member clubs.
He has also contributed significantly to international Rugby League, serving on the RLIF Board for 19 years, including as Tournament Director for the RFL’s successful hosting of the 2013 World Cup, which led to his appointment as Chair of the Rugby League International Federation; and to the formation of the Rugby League Benevolent Fund in assisting injured players, which led to the development of Rugby League Cares, the sport’s independent charity.
