Roger Draper to leave the RFL

Former Warrington chief executive Roger Draper is to leave his role at the RFL at the end of the month.

Draper currently holds the position of RFL Chief Commercial Officer and Super League Executive Director, but will depart to focus on his other business interests.

It comes within a week of the announcement of the departure of RFL chief executive Nigel Wood.

Draper said: “As a huge fan of the sport it is with a heavy heart that I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the Rugby Football League.

“It was always my intention to come into the organisation for just a couple of years and give everything to bring more commercial revenue into this great sport.

“With a number of significant commercial announcements due in the coming weeks and the new season about to begin, I believe that now is the right time for me to move on.

“Leaving before the start of the season will allow my successor the necessary time to continue the important work of bringing in vital commercial revenue to the sport and to also prepare the organisation for the next broadcast deal, with the current deal ending in 2021.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Rugby Football League and would like to wish the organisation all the very best for the future.”

Acting chief executive Ralph Rimmer thanked Draper for his hard work as well as revealing that he is currently restructuring the executive team at the RFL.