RFL CEO Nigel Wood Nominated for Rugby League International Federation Chairman Role

Rugby Football League (RFL) chief executive Nigel Wood could become chairman of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) after being nominated for the post.

The position became vacant last month when New Zealander Scott Carter chose to stand down for business reasons and will be filled at the RLIF annual meeting in Sydney on 2 May.

Wood saw his profile raised during his spell as tournament director for the successful 2013 World Cup and as deputy chairman of the RLIF, he is a strong candidate to make the step up to chairman.

He has been nominated by the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) board, who said in a statement: “The directors have expressed their thanks to Scott Carter for his work on behalf of the international game.

“The New Zealand Rugby League chairman recently announced his decision to step down as the chairman of the Rugby League International Federation.

“Consequently, the RLEF board has confirmed that it will nominate Nigel Wood, current RLIF deputy chairman, to be Carter’s successor.”

Wood is expected to receive the backing of RLEF directors Carlos Zalduendo and Graeme Thompson as well as England’s Maurice Watkins, who all sit on the 10-strong RLIF executive committee, which holds the responsibility of voting in a new chairman.

Wood recently expressed his frustration at the RLIF for their delay in finalising details of the international calendar, especially their failure to confirm a British and Irish Lions tour in 2015.

The RLEF are still awaiting confirmation of funding from the RLIF before releasing fixtures for the 2014 European Championship.

France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are scheduled to participate, with the winner qualifying for the 2016 Four Nations to be staged in the northern hemisphere.