The Rugby Football League (RFL) faces significant pressure to develop an action plan that complies with the Sport Governance Code of Sport England, following the threat to withhold a funding package of over $21 million. This situation comes amid a turbulent period for the league, marked by the resignation of chairman Simon Johnson and other board members, as well as the controversial return of former CEO Nigel Wood, initially as interim chairman and now as senior executive director.

Sport England has requested that the RFL present a detailed timeline regarding the departure of Wood and the interim board, who assumed their roles last month, and that an open selection process for new board members be established, scheduled for March next year. The release of the pending funding, crucial for the sport’s development, will depend on the satisfactory submission of this action plan and the governance assurances provided by the organization.

Action plan and steps toward stability

In recent meetings, Sport England discussed with Wood and the RFL CEO, Tony Sutton, the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the code. The sports organization confirmed that the RFL is working on a Governance Action Plan, which will include concrete measures to ensure future appointments meet required standards and a timeline to replace the interim board. Commitment to good governance is considered key to maintaining public funding and the trust of clubs and sponsors.

However, there is still a possibility that Sport England may withhold the next six-figure payment if the RFL does not meet the established requirements. Wood, who returned to the board in March as interim chairman, was ratified as senior executive director by the clubs last month and also assumed the presidency of Rugby League Commercial, the division responsible for broadcast and sponsorship agreements. Resolving these governance issues will be crucial for the stability and future development of the league.