New directors for RLEF
Following recent approval of a new constitution and the stated intention to revamp its Board, the Rugby League European Federation has appointed two new directors.
They are Scotland Rugby League’s Graeme Thompson, a former Performance Director of the RFL, and Serbian Federation president Nebojsa Stretenovic, who were elected by RLEF member nations and will sit alongside chairman Richard Lewis and vice chairman Nicolas Larrat.
Commenting on his new position, Thompson, who has also played a crucial part in developing the sport in London and with UK Sport, was the inaugural European Cup Tournament Director, led on the last World Cup Qualifying in Europe and was team manager of England at the 2008 World Cup said,
“I am delighted to have been voted onto the RLEF Board by the member countries. I look forward to working with all stakeholders in continuing to build upon the progress made since the inception of the organisation. It is encouraging to see the range of countries now involved and it is vital for the sport’s future to make further progress.”
Stretenovic, who joined the Serbian RL board in 2001, captained the first Serbian national team tour to France, was a founder of RK Dorćol Spiders and has been national team manager and Competition Commissioner added,
“This is great honour for the both Serbian Rugby League and myself. It is important for the game that RLEF member nations voted for the candidate from a nation like Serbia for the Board. It shows that the European Federation offers everyone an opportunity to take responsibility and I’m glad that Serbia is recognized as such. Personally, my dedication to develop the game domestically is now moving to a higher level and I’m grateful for this vote of confidence both at home and abroad.”
Richard Lewis noted, “These two worthy appointments will undoubtedly enhance the Board and give even greater direction and purpose to the RLEF. This is a very exciting time for the sport across the continent and beyond particularly with qualification building for the 2013 World Cup in the northern hemisphere. That will be a superb showcase for the strength and development of the sport.”
The Board has become a permanent body elected on a two year term and will run until the 2012 AGM in August.