Ralph Rimmer appointed independent advisor ‘to help stabilise future of professional rugby union’

Josh McAllister

RLWC & RFL officials, Jon Dutton, Ralph Rimmer, Simon Johnson, Sir Linsey Hoyle, Brian Barwick at the Rugby League World Cup match between England and France. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Former Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer has been appointed as one of two new independent advisors to work on the future stability of rugby union.

Chris Pilling of UK Sport has also been appointed to help the sport and its future.

The pair will work with the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby Limited on their plans for the future of professional rugby union, a government press release confirmed. 

Rimmer stood down from his role at the RFL as CEO at the end of last year having served more than 12 years with the governing body.

He initially joined as chief operating officer in October 2010, and took over as CEO in January 2018. He stood down alongside Karen Moorhouse, who had been the other executive director on the RFL Board since 2018.

A press statement released on Friday said: “Former RFL CEO Ralph Rimmer, and UK Sport Board Member Chris Pilling have been appointed by the government as independent advisers to support the RFU and PRL in their work on the future sustainability of rugby union.

“Following the recent failures of several clubs and the wider challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, rugby union has a unique opportunity to reshape its future strategic financial and sporting direction.

“The government supports the RFU and PRL’s work to stabilise professional rugby union including attracting new capital investment.

“It shares the concerns of fans about where the game goes next, and has appointed two independent advisers to work with the RFU and PRL on their plans to restructure the Professional Game Agreement.

“The issues at Worcester, Wasps and London Irish have laid bare the challenges facing the sport of rugby union.

“The inability of rugby clubs to raise capital investment and the financial challenges at various levels within the game have contributed to the need for urgent work to help secure rugby union’s immediate future and advise on its future direction.

“Ralph Rimmer delivered substantial financial and regulatory reforms during his time with the Rugby Football League, while Chris Pilling will bring extensive sports management and financial sector expertise to the role.”

Ralph Rimmer confident in helping sustainable and exciting future

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “This is a challenging time for rugby union and Ralph and Chris have agreed to utilise their experience to help the game develop a clear path for the future.

“We have seen several high profile clubs and their fans left devastated in recent times and this additional independent advice will be of huge benefit to the RFU and PRL as they look to implement a new strategic direction for rugby.

Ralph Rimmer commented: “I absolutely recognise the importance of this sporting pyramid to communities across the country.

“I also understand from my own experiences in rugby league the challenges and pressures which the sport currently faces and I’m confident that I can help all parties in creating not just a sustainable future but also an exciting one.

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