The Rugby Football League (RFL) is facing mounting pressure to address its governance issues after being warned that critical public funding could be withheld. Sport England, which has committed £16 million to the sport, has raised concerns about the league’s compliance with governance standards and demanded an urgent action plan.
The warning comes at a turbulent time for rugby league leadership. In recent months, the RFL chair and several directors have stepped down, creating instability at the top of the organization. The situation intensified with the controversial return of former chief executive Nigel Wood. Initially brought back as interim chair earlier this year, Wood has since been appointed senior executive director and chair of Rugby League Commercial, the body overseeing media rights and sponsorship.
Sport England has questioned whether Wood’s reappointment was handled in line with the Code for Sports Governance, which all publicly funded bodies are required to follow. To ensure compliance, the RFL has now been instructed to produce a detailed Governance Action Plan. This document must outline the steps the organization will take to improve its leadership structure, including a timeline for the departure of Wood and other interim board members.
A key requirement is that the RFL holds an open and transparent recruitment process for new board members. This is expected to begin in March next year, providing the sport with an opportunity to reset its leadership and demonstrate stronger accountability.
Despite a constructive meeting between RFL executives and Sport England, uncertainty remains over whether the next instalment of funding will be released. The upcoming payment, understood to be a six-figure sum, is due next month. Its release will depend on the adequacy of the action plan and the league’s willingness to commit to governance reforms.
The stakes are high for rugby league, which relies heavily on public investment to support grassroots development, elite pathways, and community programmes. Without this financial backing, the sport risks significant disruption at all levels.
The RFL has publicly committed to compliance and acknowledged the importance of meeting governance standards in exchange for funding. However, with Sport England prepared to withhold support if reforms fall short, the coming months will be crucial in determining the financial and administrative stability of the game.
