Thursday 29th July 10

The RFL has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Ralph Rimmer as Chief Operating Officer.

Rimmer, who is currently Managing Director of KSDL, the Galpharm Stadium management company, will take up his new position on October 11, his 45th birthday.

A former Chief Executive with two Super League clubs, Rimmer will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to a role that will enable the RFL to deliver improved services and revenues to, and on behalf of member clubs, and run the most successful Rugby League World Cup in 2013.

“I’m tremendously excited by this opportunity, it’s a dream job for me and one I’m looking forward to,” said Rimmer.

“Rugby League has been an important part of my life since I first started playing as a boy in Cumbria. I’m passionate about the sport and confident that my experience and ability will help the RFL and the Super League clubs build on the achievements we have seen in the last few years.

“The record aggregate attendance in Engage Super League two weeks ago and the high quality of the action in all competitions on a weekly basis offer compelling proof that this is a sport with massive appeal.

“There are some fantastic opportunities for Rugby League but there are also many challenges and I will do all I can to ensure all the clubs fulfil their potential.”

Ralph Rimmer’s career in Rugby League started in South Yorkshire in 1991 as a Development Officer with Doncaster. He took up a similar role with Sheffield Eagles three years later and in 1997 was appointed General Manager and then Chief Executive of the then Super League club.

Two years after his involvement in Sheffield’s famous Challenge Cup final victory over Wigan at Wembley, Rimmer became Chief Executive at Huddersfield Giants.

In the last decade Rimmer has also been a director of Huddersfield Town, helping to take the club out of administration; managed the Ireland national team in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and the Yorkshire Origin team in 2002; and been non-executive Chairman of Sporting Pride Community Trust, as well as Managing Director of KSDL since 2007.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said Ralph Rimmer’s appointment as Chief Operating Officer would help the RFL provide a high level of support to the professional club network.

“Ralph has an unparalleled mix of experience of Rugby League at all levels, from playing the game at community level with Ulverston to almost 10 years as a Super League director and managing a national team,” said Wood.

“He is going to be a great asset to the RFL and to the clubs. During his career he has faced, and successfully tackled, a number of challenges and that wealth of experience will be invaluable.”