The Rugby Football League (RFL) has issued a stark warning to clubs considering a move to sideline the sport’s governing body and replace its chair, stating that such an attempt could have severe financial repercussions. The governing body has sought legal advice and claims that the proposed action would violate governance regulations and threaten essential funding.
A meeting is scheduled for March, where professional clubs will discuss a proposal from Super League club Leigh Leopards and Championship side Batley Bulldogs. The proposal calls for the immediate removal of the current chair due to concerns about the direction of the governing body.
The dissenting clubs also seek to establish an external implementation committee to oversee governance reform. Their plan includes appointing a new leadership team, selected by the clubs rather than the RFL board. The preferred candidate for the role is a former chair who previously received a severance package upon leaving the position. He currently serves as the chairman of a Championship club.
The governing body has responded firmly, stating that such an appointment would breach multiple governance regulations, including those outlined in Sport England’s Code for Sports Governance. Legal counsel has advised that this move would be in direct violation of the sport’s Articles of Association, rendering it invalid.
Beyond governance concerns, the RFL has warned of significant financial risks. The sport currently receives annual funding from Sport England, and non-compliance with governance codes could put this financial support in jeopardy. Additionally, rugby league carries an outstanding loan from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, secured during the pandemic. If immediate repayment were required due to governance instability, the sport could face a financial shortfall exceeding several million pounds.
The governing body has cautioned clubs that proceeding with the proposed changes could have dire financial consequences for the sport, its members, and stakeholders. It has described the proposals as both unlawful and unreasonable based on legal assessments. The RFL maintains that it is under no obligation to bring the proposals forward for member consideration.
While there is support for the chair’s removal, independent of the plan to bring back the former leader, an alternative proposal has been introduced. This counter-proposal suggests that the chair step down before the end of the year, allowing for a strategic review of the sport’s governance with the governing body’s involvement in selecting committee members.
The clubs leading the push for change, including representatives from Leigh and Leeds, argue that they should have sole authority in appointing the review committee. A key figure driving the proposal has accused the RFL of using financial warnings to deter clubs from supporting change.
The governing body has responded by emphasizing its commitment to sound governance and the sport’s long-term stability. It has outlined its reasoning in documents shared with members ahead of the upcoming council meeting, asserting that it is willing to discuss changes as long as they align with governance standards and ensure stability.
The RFL board has reaffirmed its focus on maintaining strong governance and securing the future of the sport while remaining open to discussions with members and stakeholders. The situation remains tense as clubs prepare to debate the competing proposals at the forthcoming meeting.
