"Rugby League: A New Era on the Horizon Off the Field?"

Rugby league officials are poised to advocate for a return to traditional governance practices.

Peter V’Landys, the head of the Australian rugby league, has called for an independent board to oversee the sport in this country.

The club-led strategic review into rugby league, spearheaded by Nigel Wood, is expected to propose the establishment of an independent board.Credit: SWPIX.COM

However, SunSport has discovered that those involved in a 'club-led strategic review' of the sport will advocate for just that.

Prior to Super League's division from the Rugby Football League in late 2017, governance operated in this manner.

Now, Nigel Wood, who was effectively ousted as RFL chief executive by clubs eight years ago, has returned as its senior executive director, with the 'strategic review' resulting in an expansion of the top tier to 14 clubs.

To prevent clubs’ self-interests from dominating, the review is also expected to recommend the formation of an independent board.

This recommendation would undoubtedly please V’Landys after he met with Wood, RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku, and the owners of Warrington, Wigan, and Hull FC – Simon Moran, Mike Danson, and Andrew Thirkill.

He stated: “It all has to be independent.

“With an independent board, decisions are made that benefit the game as a whole, as the biggest challenge for an administrator is managing the various participant groups that advocate for their own interests.

“That’s the goal they need to achieve here.”

### Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Call for Independent Board 3. Background on Governance 4. Current Situation 5. Conclusion ### FAQ