Rimmer Named New Rfl Ceo

Ralph Rimmer has been appointed as the permanent chief executive officer of the Rugby Football League (RFL) after covering the post on an interim basis following Nigel Wood’s departure in January.

Rimmer steps up from the role of RFL chief operating officer, bringing with him wealth of experience as former CEO of top clubs Sheffield Eagles and Huddersfield Giants.

The appointment follows a lengthy recruitment process, supported by SRi.

Rimmer said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as CEO of the Rugby Football League. I am passionate about the sport and I am honoured to hold this position.”

“I have always taken my responsibilities within the sport extremely seriously, and I take up this role with 100 per cent commitment to driving the Rugby League forward.”

Brain Barwick, chairman of the RFL added: “Ralph is a rugby league man, he has huge ambitions for the future of the sport as well as dealing with the ‘here and now’ issues of the game.”

Rimmer’s predecessor in his new position, Nigel Wood, became chief executive of the Rugby League International Federation in January.

In May, Wood was replaced by Brian Barwick as chairman of Rugby League World Cup 2021 Ltd, the organisation responsible for overseeing delivery of the event in England.

Alongside preparations for the major home event, Rimmer’s new role will also see him in charge of overseeing the RFL’s move to new headquarters as part of the Etihad Campus in Manchester. 

A new Rugby League National Centre is planned at the site to replace the governing body’s current bases in Leeds in Salford.

The facilities will eventually be used by England teams preparing for games, and are expected to play in key role in training the home team for the 2021 tournament.