RFL interim chairman Nigel Wood is leading a strategic review of the sport, which aims to improve fan engagement, talent pool, revenue and rugby league's international presence; watch every Super League game this season live on Sky Sports.
Image: RFL interim chairman Nigel Wood is conducting a strategic review of the sport. Source: SWpix
With rugby league at a turning point in its modern history, Nigel Wood has stepped back into the spotlight to lead a strategic review aimed at reimagining the future of the sport.
Wood, who stepped down as Rugby League chief executive in 2018 after a decade in the job, has returned to the field to steer the game through a period of uncertainty and opportunity.
Commissioned in 2025, the review aims to assess the current state of the sport with a view to improving the quality of the rugby league product and making it more attractive to private investment.
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“We were asked to do kind of a comprehensive, holistic assessment of where the sport would be in 2025,” Wood shared in an interview with The Bench with Jenna and John.
“What are the challenges we face and what do we need to do to make this as competitive and attractive an investment proposition as possible.
“Owners want to argue that there's probably a better way to do it. They want to make sure that whatever they put out there is the best version of themselves.”
Wood confirmed expansion was not ruled out and there had been discussions about increasing the number of teams in the Betfred Super League from 12 to 14, but he stressed the need for caution.
“We must follow the expansion strategy and implement it, but without recklessness,” he explained.
The review will also examine the controversial rating system introduced under IMG's partnership with the sport.
While Wood supports the idea of raising standards, he questions whether the current model has become too complex and distracting.
“Minimum standards are possible,” he said. “But whether they should be so comprehensive is another question.”
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Wood made clear that the review's success would not come overnight, calling it an “evolution” rather than a quick fix.
With some changes expected for next season and others tied to the next broadcast cycle in 2027, the process is focused on long-term impact.
“If more people watch our football, there will be more income, more players, and we will achieve more success on the international stage – that will be a pretty good indicator of success,” he concluded.
France's Future in Rugby League
One of the most discussed aspects of the review is the future of French clubs in the predominantly British league system.
Wood, who played a key role in bringing the Catalans Dragons into the Super League in the early 2000s, remains a strong supporter of their participation but believes the terms need to be changed
Sourse: skysports.com
