Rugby League: More resignations at top of Rugby Football League
The presidents of Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos subsequently issued a joint statement referring to “increasing turmoil in the direction of the RFL and some decisions.”
They added: “Most clubs … are evident that they want a club-led strategic review of policies and guidance … to address the challenges we all recognize the sport.”
Johnson temporarily replaced as interim RFL CEO and Bradford Bulls Chairman Nigel Wood, a strategic commentary on how he will lead the club leadership.
Daley and Newton said in a statement: “While we regret to leave the RFL board and the sport, we feel there is no choice given the recent and current events.
“We have talked to Sports England in recent days and met with people in the game who want to share their concerns. The best interests of the sport and all of them are crucial and we will continue to adhere to these principles.”
“I think this is a tragedy, a movement that leads to promoting good governance and embracing outstanding female leaders on board,” Johnson said in a social media post, “and that situation has allowed this to develop now that there is no independent non-executive director, let alone an independent non-executive director, let alone a single woman.
“I feel very sad about this incident. My colleagues are pretty honest leaders and the fact that they feel they are unable to fulfill their fiduciary obligations is very frustrated given the current development.”
Another RFL board member, Sandy Lindsay, resigned in January.
