Nigel Wood steps down as International Rugby League chief executive

Drew Darbyshire

International Rugby League chief executive Nigel Wood will retire from his position at the end of the year.

Wood has been a member of the IRL board for 18 years and has held the positions of deputy chair, chairman and most recently, chief executive.

He said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve the cause of international rugby league over the past 18 years.

“I’m proud of the growth and diversification of international rugby league since 2000 and looking forward to watching the most inclusive World Cup next year when men, women and wheelchair players will compete on an equal basis.

“International rugby league represents the greatest opportunity rugby league has to move to the next level and I know there are some exciting plans ahead.

“I would like to thank and pay tribute to the many friends and colleagues around the world who have built international rugby league on the back of passion, commitment and relentless energy and they will continue to help it grow and thrive. I wish them every success in the world.”

IRL chairman Greg Barclay added: “I, and the rest of the board, would like to thank Nigel for his service and wish him well in his retirement.

“To serve 18 years on an international federation of sport that has seen so much change and growth is a remarkable achievement and we congratulate him.”

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