Rugby League International Federation Appoints Nigel Wood

09 Jan 2018 | tshego

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The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) has appointed Nigel Wood to be its new chief executive.

Wood will take up the office later in the year and will follow inaugural CEO David Collier OBE into the role. He will also stand down as RLIF chairman as a consequence. The RLIF board will consider nominations for its next chair in February 2018.

RLIF deputy chairman, John Grant said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Nigel to take over as the executive lead for the RLIF at this time. Nigel is a ten-year CEO with a proven track record as a Rugby League administrator of the highest standard, is respected on both sides of the world, has an intimate understanding of the complex relationship between domestic and international rugby league, and provides a fast start in the role at a time when capitalising on the momentum created by the 2017 World Cups is critical.

“The RLIF board determined that the board’s nominations committee from Australia, New Zealand and Europe should in the first instance undertake a rigorous process with Nigel as its internal candidate to confirm his willingness and suitability to take the role. Failing this, it was then to undertake an external process. The committee was swayed not only by Nigel’s clear experience but also by his deep knowledge and sincere passion for international rugby league. Its recommendation that he was the right person to take the international game forward at the very exciting but challenging time was adopted unanimously by the full board.”

Nigel Wood added: “I feel honoured and humbled to be asked to serve the RLIF as CEO for the next phase of its development. International Rugby League is a wonderful and essential aspect of our sport as the images, testimonials and emotions of the recent World Cups have once again demonstrated. I believe these are exciting times as more and more people recognise the role of international rugby league has in developing the whole sport. New countries and investors are attracted to our sport and I look forward to working with all parties, clubs and other key stakeholders to ensure that we give players, supporters and commercial and broadcast partners the most compelling international calendar that we possibly can.”