Jamie Jones-Buchanan appointed to a new role with the RFL
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Former Great Britain and Leeds forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan has been appointed to a new role as a board observer with the Rugby Football League.
The RFL board announced several months ago that it was seeking to bring in someone with experience at the top level of the game to attend meetings, support discussions and to assist in succession planning.
Jones-Buchanan will combine his role with the RFL alongside his job with Leeds, where he is head of culture, diversity and inclusivity last autumn.
RFL chair Simon Johnson said: “We committed, when recommending the appointment of Dr Cherrie Daley to the Board last November, that we would also appoint an Observer with recent high level experience of rugby league.
“I am therefore delighted to confirm the appointment of Jamie Jones-Buchanan to that position.
“He is a popular and respected figure throughout rugby league; and beyond, having earned admiration in the range of roles he has filled since ending his outstanding playing career.
“To have available to the board someone with his experience; and expertise of the elite level of rugby league will be hugely valuable to us.
“We believe there will be an equivalent benefit to Jamie, helping him in his post-playing career, with board experience – we can play our part as the governing body for rugby league in establishing a cadre of former rugby league players who can thrive in sport administration and governance, as has happened in other sports.”
Jamie Jones-Buchanan honoured to link up with the RFL
The 41-year-old will start attending RFL board meetings as an observer from next month.
He said: “I’m honoured and excited.
“I love the sport and what it does, it’s given me a lot. This will be a chance to see it from another angle; and to work with a new group of people on the board.”
Jones-Buchanan made more than 400 appearances for Leeds as a player between 1999-19, playing in seven Super League Grand Finals.
On the international stage, Jones-Buchanan won 15 caps in total for Great Britain and England.
He was appointed an MBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours for his services to rugby league; and the community of Leeds.
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