Sport England is set to meet with the Rugby Football League (RFL) in the coming weeks following concerns about recent governance developments within the organisation. The discussions could have a significant impact on the financial future of rugby league in England, as the sport relies heavily on annual funding from Sport England.
Adherence to the Code for Sports Governance is a crucial condition for accessing this funding. One area of contention is the appointment of the RFL’s new chair, Nigel Wood. Initially brought in as interim chair after the resignation of Simon Johnson, Wood’s position was recently made permanent without a fully open and transparent recruitment process, as required by Sport England’s governance standards.
Wood’s return to the RFL has drawn criticism and scrutiny. After stepping down as chief executive in 2018, he received a severance package of over £300,000. He later served as chair of Bradford Bulls and remains a shareholder in the club, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Despite this, RFL member clubs supported his return, tasking him with leading a strategic review of the professional game. One major outcome of this review is the proposed expansion of Super League from 12 to 14 teams by 2026—a move approved by clubs and already attracting attention from stakeholders such as Sky Sports.
Sport England has reiterated that any organisation receiving substantial funding must comply with the Code for Sports Governance. The code mandates that leadership appointments be made through open and transparent processes. Sport England’s upcoming meeting with the RFL will aim to address these issues and ensure governance standards are being met.
In response, the RFL stated that it is working with Sport England on a Governance Action Plan following earlier board resignations. The newly constituted board affirms its commitment to achieving full compliance with governance requirements.
As the situation unfolds, the outcome of the upcoming talks could influence the sport’s ability to secure future public funding. With millions of pounds at stake, ensuring proper governance and transparency will be critical for the sustainability and growth of rugby league in the years ahead.
