Date: 28/2/18
The Board of Directors of the RLIF has elected recently retired Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), John Grant, as RLIF Chairman.
He succeeds Nigel Wood who has been appointed as RLIF Chief Executive upon David Collier’s retirement in May.
As the inaugural Chairman of the ARLC since its formation in 2012, John has overseen significant development of rugby league both on and off the field in Australia and, as an RLIF Director since 2014, he has contributed to expansion of rugby league internationally culminating in the successful Men’s and Women’s Rugby League World Cups in Australia, New Zealand and PNG in 2017.
Prior to his roles in administration of rugby league, John enjoyed a pioneering career in the ICT Sector as Managing Director of ASX listed Data#3 Limited from 1997 until 2015. He was honoured in 2010 with Australia’s most prestigious Information and Technology Award for services to the IT Sector, the Pearcey Medal.
John represented Queensland and Australia at Rugby League and was a member of the 1972 Australia World Cup Squad.
He brings a unique blend of business acumen and International Rugby League experience to leadership of RLIF.
John Grant paid tribute to the work of Nigel Wood commenting:
‘Nigel has led the International Federation for the past 3 and a half years and has been instrumental in championing the case for International Rugby League. His appointment as Chief Executive to succeed David Collier will bring a wealth of Rugby League experience to the Federation and the Board wishes Nigel every success in his new role.’
The Board also elected Graeme Thompson, one of the Rugby League European Federation’s (RLEF) representatives on the RLIF Board, as RLIF Deputy Chairman. Graeme is a former Scotland International before becoming the first Rugby League Development Officer for Scotland. Graeme subsequently joined the Rugby Football League’s Performance team becoming Performance Director in 2006 and England Team Manager for the 2008 World Cup. He was appointed as Performance Director for GB Water Polo and GB Curling and has been an RLIF Board Director since 2011.
Sally Bolton, an RLEF Director, announced her resignation from the RLIF Board, following her new role at the All England Club as Director of strategy and planning. John Grant commented:
‘Sally has made a significant contribution to the RLIF Board following her leadership of the 2013 World Cup organisation. We will greatly miss Sally’s insight and experience and wish her every success in her new role at the All England Club.
Sally’s replacement will be nominated by the Rugby League European Federation. ‘
