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Registered number:
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
For the Year Ended
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Company Information
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Contents
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Group Strategic Report
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Principal activities The principal activity of RFL (Governing Body) Limited ("the RFL") throughout the year was the promotion and regulation of the game of Rugby League. The RFL is the governing body for the sport of Rugby League in Great Britain and Ireland. Business model The primary remit of the Board is to lead the RFL and the sport by focusing on four key areas of the business: strategic issues facing the RFL, RL Commercial and Rugby League generally; monitoring and reviewing executive performance; approval of changes to the regulatory framework; and finally representing the RFL externally when appropriate and required. Day to day management of the RFL is delegated to the executive management team under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors receive presentations and reports from members of the executive management team at each Board meeting and may also request updates or attendance at Board meetings from an individual Head of Department if there are significant issues to discuss in a particular area. Management of the business is organised via the Chief Executive Officer through key executive areas which are: - On-Field, Talent and Development; - Finance, Facilities, Operations, Compliance and Central Services; - Education, People, Medical and Culture; - Legal, and Data & Insight. The RFL Strategic Plan provides a road map for Rugby League up to the end of 2030. This plan covers distinct areas of activity and its guiding principles are; i. Player centric ii. Outstanding elite competitions iii. Fan focused iv. Well governed and inclusive The grassroots underpins all the above including Rugby League’s ability to deliver positive social impact in our communities. Over the period of the current plan, performance against it is and will be closely monitored by the Board. In 2022, the RFL entered into a Joint Venture with Super League (Europe) Limited and formed RL Commercial Limited which continues to trade. RL Commercial has been assigned the rights to all the commercial properties of the professional Sport and is charged with selling those properties as well as staging the Sport’s central events. Ownership of those rights still remain with the RFL and SLE respectively. RL Commercial Limited, began trading in January 2023. This means that the bulk of the RFL’s revenue streams are received from RL Commercial Limited. The Super League clubs are also members of Super League (Europe) Limited which acts as a vehicle for the distribution of residual value payments from RL Commercial Limited. The RFL is a shareholder in Super League (Europe) Limited with key rights over specific issues.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Group Strategic Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The RFL also has a Community Board which comprises representatives from various sections of the community game including youth and adult participation, schools, universities, and armed services. This Board meets four times a year to discuss matters of importance in the community game.
The consolidated accounts for the RFL show a loss before tax for the financial year of £508k for the year ended 31 December 2024 (2023: loss £552k). The RFL has maintained an aggregate positive cash balance throughout the year.
At 31 December 2024, this aggregate balance was £6,118k (2023: £5,911k).
The Board and Executive team had budgeted to make a planned loss in 2024 of £800k. In order to invest in some key areas of the RFL’s business activities where attention was needed to bolster governance and facilitate growth, the Board approved a trading loss of £300k. Owing to the anticipated sale of Odsal Stadium at a lower value than the investment property was held in its balance sheet, a write-down of £500k was added to the Budget to make the total budgeted loss £800k in the Year.
The consolidated reported Group trading loss before tax was £508k which predominantly relates to lower than expected revenues from RL Commercial Limited as well as higher than anticipated costs arising in the Senior England programmes. The write-down of the investment property which was marketed for sale in early 2024, was recognised in 2023 following an offer received. This resulted in an impairment of £499k. The brain injury claim involving a number of former Rugby League players is progressing through the court system. The latest official court recorded number of Claimants is 315. The Claimants have discontinued their case against the International Rugby League (“IRL”), leaving the RFL and BARLA as the two named Defendants in the case.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Group Strategic Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
It is important to note that these statements are consolidated and incorporate the results of Rugby League World Cup 2021 Limited and RFL Investments 2020 Limited, both wholly owned subsidiaries of RFL (Governing Body) Limited.
In 2024 the Rugby League World Cup 2021 shows a break-even position. RFL Investments 2020 Limited is the vehicle for the administration of the Sport Survival Fund and its Balance Sheet reflects the long-term liability in relation to the loans made to eligible entities in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The accounts of both these subsidiaries are reported and filed at Companies House. Year on year turnover has decreased to £13,516k from £15,035k in 2023 which can be attributed in the main to a reduction in Government funding in relation to grants from Sport England. Government funding from Sport England has reduced from £4,819k in 2023 to £3,241k in 2024. Whilst the year-on-year level of funding has remained the same the income is released in line with programme activity which varies throughout the funding cycle. The residual value share from RL Commercial is £8,202k in 2024 compared to £8,439k in 2023. The reduction reflects the reduced value of the SKY contract which was renewed in 2024 and is contracted until the end of 2026. Cost of sales reduced from £4,344k to £3,538k in 2024. This reduction is attributable to the reduction in grant funded activities, which has reduced to £2,284k from £3,208k. As above this is driven by the level of programme activity throughout the cycle. Payments to or on behalf of clubs and other member organisations is £5,724k in 2024 (2023: £5,885k). There has been a small reduction in the cost of the match official's department due to effective cost management with regards to travel and referee communication equipment. Awards to clubs has fallen from £2,162k to £2,072k driven by the reduction in profitability in RL Commercial as a result of the renegotiation of the SKY contract at a lower value. In 2024, Administrative Costs decreased slightly to £4,849k (2023: £5,043k). Group Staff Costs are £4,750k (2023: £4,774k). In 2024 a small restructure took place, the savings of which have not yet been realised in 2024. Within total staff costs, directors remuneration has reduced slightly from £293k in 2023 to £272k in 2024. Costs of the Non-Executive Board have decreased from £116k in 2023 to £95k in 2024 due to timing of Non-Executive Directors movements in 2024, as well as further reduction in costs relating to the Board of RLWC2021. Interest receivable by the RFL in 2024 is made up of two elements. The first is the RFL Group’s interest receivable on bank deposits (£173k) and the second is the interest receivable by RFL Investments 2020 Ltd on behalf of DCMS of £310k (which is subsequently paid over to DCMS). Total interest receivable was £482k (2023: £492k) owing predominantly to reduced interest rates on treasury deposits.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Group Strategic Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Our People are at the heart of our sport. The RFL recognises that without their commitment, professionalism, and expertise in delivering customer service excellence it would be unable to achieve its goals.
We are committed to providing ongoing investment to their learning and development to achieve the highest standards. The RFL recognises the enhanced creativity, performance, and legitimacy of an organisation that embraces and celebrates diversity, and are actively striving to realise these benefits throughout the organisation. We recognise that to fully deliver on our mission and be true to our guiding principles, we must be representative of the communities which we serve. We have committed to achieving gender parity and greater diversity in our workforce, whether based on sex, gender, race, disability, sexuality, lower socio-economic groups, or other characteristics. Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Tackle It plan The RFL is committed to ensuring that Rugby League is an inclusive sport, and we have a proud history that supports this. To ensure we continue to meet the wider objectives of the sport by increasing participation and engagement from the communities. Equality, Inclusion and Diversity sits at the forefront of this enabling us to promote our sport and encourage new interest whilst retaining the commitment and passion we currently have. In 2020, the RFL launched Tackle It, a sport-wide action plan to make Rugby League a truly inclusive sport by tackling all forms of discrimination and breaking down any barriers to involvement. The plan sets out four strategic goals and, crucially, the specific and measurable actions that will be taken to achieve them. The Tackle It plan was refreshed at the mid-point in 2023, ensuring the plan is agile and aligned with the priorities of the sport. An Inclusion Board - chaired by Jamie Jones Buchanan (RFL Board Observer) - has been established to support the RFL in its delivery of the Tackle It action plan. The group, made up of both internal and external members, seeks to provide strategic advice and support to the organisation. The Inclusion Board membership was updated at the end of 2023. Our Communities As a leading National Sports Governing Body, we are committed to supporting our local communities by delivering a positive social impact. Growth in participation remains a key goal. We seek to deliver this through the lens of the Rugby League Dividend, supporting our people and communities through tackling inequalities and barriers that exist that prevent people from embracing the many benefits that engaging with our sport can deliver. To support this, we have launched the RFL Community Trust, a new charity designed to further enhance ‘Our League Life’, the RFL’s social impact brand. We also continue to support other charities including the RFL Facilities Trust and Rugby League Cares. Corporate Governance The RFL is committed to high standards of corporate governance and is continually looking at ways to improve this function. This is evidenced in the Directors Report through the operation of Board Committees and through the RFL's commitment to compliance with UK Sport and Sport England's Code for Sports Governance. The RFL's internal audit programme is carried out by an independent third party and reports directly to the Audit and Risk Committee. It is a wide-ranging programme, and it provides transparency for members alongside the statutory external audit programme. In April 2025, a number of resolutions were brought by the RFL’s members which have changed the Board structure significantly. This is discussed further in the Directors’ Report.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Group Strategic Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
More than any other year since the club’s dominance of British Rugby League for the decade leading up to the establishment of the Super League in 1996, the year 2024 belonged to Wigan.
The Warriors, steered as intelligently from the chief executive’s office by the former playing great Kris Radlinski as they were on the pitch by the head coach Matt Peet, won a Grand Slam of trophies unique in the Super League era – World Club Challenge, Betfred Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and culminating in the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in October. Their achievements earned recognition well beyond Rugby League as they were named Team of the Year in the BBC’s Sports Personality Awards for 2024 – while Peet was pipped as Coach of the Year by Trevor and Jenny Meadows, who had plotted Keely Hodgkinson’s path to 800 metres Olympics gold in Paris. On the stage and in front of millions, Trevor – who briefly played for Chorley Borough – spoke of his admiration for Peet and the Wigan club, and his pride at being ranked alongside them. BBC Sport’s extended coverage of Rugby League under a new three-year deal to run alongside the continued investment and coverage from Sky Sports had been one of the major features of the 2024 season. Both networks covered Wigan’s breathless 16-12 victory over Penrith Panthers in front of a capacity crowd and record viewing figures in February – a fifth World Club Challenge win for Wigan to equal the record of Sydney Roosters, and their first since 2017. It was also a fourth defeat in the fixture for the Panthers, following their previous appearances against Wigan in 1991, Bradford Bulls in 2004, and another narrow defeat at home to St Helens 12 months earlier. But all who travelled with Penrith enhanced the club’s reputation as the classiest of acts, led by the father and son combination of Ivan and Nathan Cleary. The 2024 season would end with Penrith clinching their fourth consecutive NRL Grand Final victory, unprecedented in the modern era, the weekend before Wigan won their second – leaving little doubt that these were the two outstanding clubs in the sport. Wigan’s Challenge Cup win in June was their 21st – seven more than any other club – but their first at Wembley since 2013. They beat Warrington Wolves, whose Wembley appearance confirmed their position as credible challengers, reflecting the early impact made by Sam Burgess following his first appointment as a head coach. Bevan French won the Lance Todd Trophy as player of the match, his second such award of the year as he had already won the equivalent award for the World Club Challenge, which was named after Bill Ashurst, a forward who played for Wigan and Penrith. French went on to complete a unique treble at Old Trafford in October, when he scored the only try in Wigan’s 9-2 win against Hull KR – a brilliant solo effort – to win the first Rob Burrow Award. That had been introduced at the start of the season, replacing the Harry Sunderland Trophy which dated back to Championship and Premiership Finals, and reflecting Burrow’s indelible link to the Grand Final through the try he scored for Leeds Rhinos against St Helens at Old Trafford in 2011. There was added poignancy to French’s award, as there had been to Wembley week four months earlier, after Leeds announced the end of Burrow’s heroic battle against Motor Neurone Disease on the evening of Sunday June 2, six days before the Challenge Cup Final – Rugby League and the wider sporting world paid tribute at Wembley, with applause after seven minutes of each of the day’s four finals. That began with the inspiresport RFL Champion Schools Final for Year Seven Boys – the Steven Mullaney Memorial Match – which was won by St Peter’s Catholic HS of Wigan against Cardiff’s Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Group Strategic Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Review of 2024 (continued)
St Helens beat Leeds Rhinos in the second Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley – exactly as they had done in the first, this time with a convincing 22-0 scoreline extending their grip on the competition to a fourth year. Finals Day was completed by Wakefield Trinity romping to a 50-6 win against Sheffield Eagles to become the fifth different winners of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup since its introduction in 2019. The sight of around 6,000 Trinity supporters celebrating behind the posts, as they became comfortably the best supported 1895 Cup finalists so far, was another Wembley highlight – and Wakefield continued to enjoy their season outside Super League following relegation in 2023, as under their own effective management combination of Daryl Powell and the ebullient owner Matt Ellis, they finished top of the Betfred Championship table by a distance and then beat Toulouse Olympique in the Grand Final. Their return to the elite in 2025 was confirmed days later, secured through the grading system introduced through Rugby League’s strategic partnership with IMG, and replacing a London Broncos team who had battled bravely all season under the intelligent coaching of Mike Eccles, and who only finished bottom behind Hull FC on points difference. Oldham, revitalised by a group of investors put together by the club’s former scrum half Mike Ford, swept to the Betfred League One title under the coaching of Sean Long, and Hunslet also secured promotion to the Championship for 2025 with a thrilling win at Swinton Lions, who were therefore relegated to League One with Dewsbury and Whitehaven – three teams going down as the first step towards establishing three divisions of 12 in 2027. Catalans Dragons won the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup for the second consecutive season, demolishing Wigan Warriors 81-18 in the Final at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield – with Leeds Rhinos securing their first Betfred Wheelchair Super League title since 2021 with a 52-32 win against Halifax Panthers at the University of Hull. Jodie Cunningham’s Saints were denied a league and cup double despite finishing top of the BWSL table by four points. That earned them home advantage in the Grand Final but they were stunned by Lindsay Anfield’s York Valkyrie, who won 18-8 to secure their second consecutive BWSL title – in front of a competition record crowd of 4,813. Their full-back Georgie Hetherington, who had already been named Woman of Steel, added the Player of the Match award in her last appearance under that surname – she resumed her career in 2025 as Georgie Dagger, after marrying the York Knights player Will. England Women had two comfortable wins in 2024 – 42-0 against France in Toulouse in mid-season, then 82-0 against Wales at AMT Headingley in November, with the Wigan wing Anna Davies scoring five tries, and her Warriors team-mate Isabel Rowe kicking nine goals on her 18th birthday. England Men also had a comfortable mid-season win against France in Toulouse, with two tries apiece for Ash Handley, Tom Johnstone and Jack Welsby, and extended their winning record to seven matches since the 2022 World Cup with an impressive 2-0 series win against Samoa in the autumn. The Samoans, coached by Ben Gardiner and captained by Jarome Luai, were expected to offer more threat to England than Tonga on an equivalent tour 12 months earlier, having stunned England in that World Cup semi final in London. But Shaun Wane’s team again combined tough defence with skillful attack to secure wins by 34-18 at Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium and 34-16 at AMT Headingley. At that point, they were planning for a tour to Australia in 2025 – but the year ended with the first moves being made behind the scenes for a first Ashes series in England since 2003.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Group Strategic Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Positive trends are continuing across youth and junior age groups. However, male open age participation continues to decline prompting targeted interventions. We are continuing to see accelerated growth amongst women and girls and wheelchair participants. Social formats of the sport including Touch, Tag and Masters Rugby League continue to see growth.
More than £1.7m has been invested in pitch maintenance and improvements. Clubs adapted to economic challenges through innovative partnerships improving financial sustainability. The ‘Our League Life’ initiative established eight Community Wellbeing Hubs and launched programs to combat youth crime and support employability. Volunteer engagement rose by 4.3% supported by initiatives such as the National Volunteer Awards. Governance enhancements included regional forum updates and competition management improvements. School and University programmes expanded with improvements in league structures and the introduction of the Pathway to Performance programme for young female players. The England Community Lions achieved major victories, including the U19 European Championship and a historic tour to Perth, Australia. Sustainability The RFL have produced a comprehensive report for Rugby League on Environmental Sustainability. This report followed a full game audit of professional clubs and asset owning community clubs. The report covers 12 areas including energy usage, community and communications and waste management. The report has been shared across the game and various stakeholders to inform of our next steps and commitments to become a more sustainable sport. In 2025 the RFL launched a game wide Environmental Sustainability strategy and became a signatory of the UN charter for climate action. This has been adopted well by the Professional clubs with Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR taking part in a journey to Net Zero game in 2025.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Directors' Report
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The directors are responsible for preparing the Group Strategic Report, the Directors' Report and the consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies for the Group's financial statements and then apply them consistently;
∙make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The RFL group has made a loss for the financial year of £507k for the year ended 31 December 2024 (2023: Loss £552k). The RFL has maintained an aggregate positive cash balance throughout the year. At 31 December 2024, this aggregate balance was £6,118k (2023: £5,911k). Therefore, at the time of approval of the Financial Statements, the directors are satisfied regarding the funding of the RFL for the foreseeable future.
The loss for the year, after taxation, amounted to £507,906 (2023 - loss £552,186).
No ordinary dividends were paid in the year (2023: £Nil). The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
In the period to 31st December 2024, the RFL has had a Board of Directors that is totally independent of any club or member involvement. As a result of resolutions put forward by the members of the RFL, some changes have been made to this structure which are discussed further down in this report.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Directors' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The Board is currently comprised of two Executive Directors, and seven Non-Executive Directors – at present, the Chair of the Board is nominated at each Board meeting.
All non-executive directors are subject to election by the RFL Council at the first opportunity after their appointment and serve for a maximum of nine years. Non-Executive directors retire by rotation and may offer themselves for immediate re-election.
The directors who served during the year were:
The Board normally undertakes a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of its own performance and that of its committees and individual directors. This includes a review of whether each director continues to contribute effectively and demonstrate a commitment to the role (including commitment of time for Board and committee meetings and any other duties). The evaluation process is used constructively as a mechanism to improve Board effectiveness, maximise strengths and address areas of improvement. This has been deferred in 2024 due to the changes to the Board and the interim nature of the changes. Board Committees The Board has established nine specific committees, each with defined terms of reference. Minutes of the meetings are circulated to and reviewed by the Board. The Audit & Risk Committee The purpose of the Audit and Risk Committee is to: (a) consider the appointment of the external auditors and their independence; (b) consider the appointment of the internal auditors and review the RFL’s internal audit programme; (c) review the Group’s financial statements; and (d) review the effectiveness of the internal control systems of the RFL including the process for managing risk. The Audit and Risk Committee consists of at least 4 members, 1 of whom have to be Non-Executive Director and one of whom has to be the RFL Executive who is the Chief Risk Officer for the RFL (currently the Director of Finance, Facilities and Central Services - Robert Graham). The Audit and Risk Committee was chaired in 2024 by Non-Executive Director Julia Newton. The Audit and Risk Committee met on four occasions in 2024. The Remuneration Committee The Board of Directors consider it important to benchmark Board & the Executive team remuneration against other businesses of similar size and against other sports governing bodies. To this end, the Remuneration Committee meets as appropriate, chaired in 2024 by Ed Airey, and comprised of Non-Executive Directors and Victoria Sinacola. The Committee determines the terms and conditions of employment for non-executive directors and agrees the level of remuneration for all Executives whose earnings are within the committee's prescribed criteria. The objective of the committee shall be to ensure that members of the executive management of the RFL are rewarded, in a fair and responsible manner, for their individual contributions to the success of the RFL.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Directors' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The Nominations Committee
The purpose of the Nominations Committee is to: (a) ensure that there is a formal and transparent procedure for appointing new directors, re-appointing directors to the Board of Directors and appointing senior executives (being the Chief Executive Officer and any executive it is envisaged will have a basic salary of £100,000 or more); and (b) keep under review the composition of the Board and Board sub-committees and make recommendations to the Board in relation to the same. This Committee in 2024 was chaired by the RFL’s Senior Independent Director and included all Non-Executive Directors. The Committee is responsible for nominating candidates to fill Board vacancies for the approval of the Board as and when they arise. Before considering any appointment, the balance of skills, knowledge and experience on the Board is evaluated, the diversity and make-up of the Board is considered and, in the light of this evaluation, a description of the role and capabilities required for an appointment is prepared. In addition, full consideration is given to succession planning during its work, considering the challenges and opportunities facing the company and the skills and expertise that are therefore needed on the Board in the future as well as regularly reviewing the structure, size and composition (including skills, knowledge and experience) of the Board and making recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes. Laws Committee The purpose of the Laws Committee is to review the current laws of the game whilst also fully considering the potential impact of the introduction of new laws based on three principles of keeping the game safe, fair and entertaining. Drawing from across the game, the Committee comprises a range of members who are considered representative of all stakeholders and is now chaired by the RFL Chief Executive Officer. The Committee consider it vital to understand the views of all relevant stakeholders (including coaches, players, medical staff, the players' union and match officials) and this is reflected in its composition. The Committee met twice in 2024. Community Board By virtue of Article 79 of the Articles of Association of RFL (Governing Body) Limited, the Board has established a Community Board. This Board is accountable to the RFL Board for the management and development of all aspects of the community, grass roots and amateur game of Rugby League. The role of the Community Board is to assist in the organisation and management structure of the RFL, and to bring together all areas of the British Rugby League community, grass roots and amateur game under the governance of the RFL. The Community Board is made up of representatives of the various sectors of the community game being BARLA; Combined Services Rugby League; Education rugby league settings; Higher Education rugby league settings; Tier Four Leagues; Tier Five and Tier Six Adult Leagues; Tier Five Youth and Junior Leagues and Foundations. The RFL nominates 1 Director to act as Chair, a person to represent Active Participants and 2 other independent representatives. The current Chair is Martin Coyd (who assumed the Chair in May 2025). Inclusion Board The RFL Inclusion Board was made a formal sub-committee of the RFL Board in 2020. The purpose of the Inclusion Board is to check and balance the implementation of Tackle It, review progress, identify and assist with areas for development, and contribute to promoting an inclusive and diverse culture in Rugby League. Chaired by Jamie Jones Buchanan, the board meets a minimum of four times a year in addition to attending events – including the Challenge Cup Final and providing support within individual areas of expertise. Membership has been reviewed in 2023 with a new board appointed in 2024. This is aligned with the review of the Tackle It action plan and newly created Diversity and Inclusion plan.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Directors' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Clinical Advisory Group
The Clinical Advisory Group’s purpose is to make recommendations to the Board; and provide guidance to the Game, on all medical issues impacting the Game. Core membership is drawn from all clinical roles in the Game and levels within the Game (Community and Professional Game). The sports Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Medical Officer are members of the Committee and is chaired by Simon Perrett who is also a doctor at a Super League Club. Brain Health Sub-Committee In March 2023, the RFL Board formed a Brain Health Subcommittee. Its purpose is to specifically review the sport’s response to concussive and sub-concussive impacts. Its members agreed to the following objectives:
∙Reduce rates of concussion by 30% over the next 5 years, where concussion rates are measurable.
∙Reduce modifiable concussion risk factors, where concussion rates are not measurable.
∙Reduce absolute sub-concussive exposure by 30% over the next 5 years.
The Committee is chaired by the RFL Chief Executive Officer. Members are drawn from across the sport including coaches, players, match officials, community game volunteers, medics, scientists, RL Cares, administrators and members of the Clinical Advisory Group and Audit and Risk Committee. Performance and Coaching Committee In September 2023, the RFL Board approved the formation of a Performance and Coaching Committee as a Sub-Committee of the Board. The scope of the Committee is to: (i) make recommendations to the Board; and (ii) provide guidance to the Game, on all on-field performance & coaching related matters impacting the Game. The guiding principle being to ensure that (i) the performance of the England teams is optimally delivered and aligned where appropriate and (ii) coaching throughout all tiers of the sport is of an appropriate quality and standard. The group has a core membership drawn from all performance roles in the Game and levels within the Game. The Chief Executive Officer is a member of the Committee, and the Director of Talent and Development is the Executive Lead for the Committee. The composition of the Committee shall be reviewed at least every two years by the Committee to consider whether it has the right blend of skills and expertise. A chair will be nominated by the RFL Board. The Committee met 5 times in 2024. Internal Control The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining the RFL’s system of internal controls. Internal control systems are intended to meet the needs of the organisation and the risks to which it is exposed. By their nature, such systems and procedures are designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve objectives and can therefore provide reasonable and not absolute reassurance against material loss or misstatement. Key elements of the internal control systems are:
∙Clearly defined management structure and delegation of authority to committees of the Board and the management team.
∙High recruitment standards and formal career development and training to ensure the integrity and competence of staff.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Directors' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
∙Regular information provided to management and staff, covering financial performance and key performance indicators.
∙A detailed budgeting process where departmental managers participate in the budget formation before approval by the Board.
∙A streamlined system with an automated workflow for the approval of capital expenditure, investments and all trading purchases.
∙Monthly monitoring and re-forecasting of results against budget, with management action taken and recorded against major variances.
∙On-going procedures to maintain the risk register, evaluate the risks faced by the business and monitor the systems to control and reduce the risks.
On 24th January 2025, the Group completed the sale of investment property for total consideration of £260,000. The sale occurred after the reporting date and therefore does not adjust the amounts recognised in these financial statements. The transaction will be reflected in the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2025.
The property had a carrying value of £251,000 as at the reporting date. The sale proceeds resulted in a gain on disposal of £9,000, which will be recognised in the subsequent financial period. On 8 September 2025 it was announced that Tony Sutton is to stand down as the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League. Sutton has discussed this with the RFL Board and will now work with the Board over the coming weeks on succession planning. He has also agreed to assist the Board in a number of specific areas in the remainder of the year, including the club grading process and as a member of the panel to determine the proposed expansion of the Betfred Super League in 2026. Tony Sutton joined the RFL as Director of Finance and Facilities in February 2017, having previously spent 13 years with Hull FC. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer in January 2019 and then succeeded Ralph Rimmer as CEO in December 2022
The auditors, Hurst Accountants Limited, were appointed during the year and will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Directors' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of RFL (Governing Body) Limited
We have audited the financial statements of RFL (Governing Body) Limited (the 'parent Company') and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Company Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's or the parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of RFL (Governing Body) Limited (continued)
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙the information given in the Group Strategic Report and the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
∙the Group Strategic Report and the Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group Strategic Report or the Directors' Report.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of RFL (Governing Body) Limited (continued)
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these Group financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities In identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:
∙The nature of the industry and sector in which the company operates; the control environment and business performance including key drivers for directors' remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets.
∙The outcome of enquiries of local management and parent company management, including whether management was aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations, and whether management had knowledge of any actual, suspected, or alleged fraud.
∙Supporting documentation relating to the Company's policies and procedures for:
°Identifying, evaluating, and complying with laws and regulations
°Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud
∙The internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.
∙The outcome of discussions amongst the engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.
∙The legal and regulatory framework in which the Company operates, particularly those laws and regulations which have a direct effect on the financial statements, such as the Companies Act 2006, pensions and tax legislation, or which had a fundamental effect on the operations of the Company, including General Data Protection requirements, and Anti-bribery and Corruption.
Audit response to risks identified
Our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:
∙Reviewing the financial statements disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with the provisions of those relevant laws and regulations which have a direct effect on the financial statements.
∙Discussions with management, including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.
∙Evaluation of the operating effectiveness of management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities.
∙Enquiring of management about any actual and potential litigation and claims.
∙Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships which may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud.
Page 16
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of RFL (Governing Body) Limited (continued)
We have also considered the risk of fraud through management override of controls by:
∙Testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; we have used data analytics software to run tests designed to identify accounting transactions which may pose a heightened risk of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
∙Challenging assumptions made by management in their significant accounting estimates, and assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and
∙Evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above, and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations are from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of them. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
for and on behalf of
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
3 Stockport Exchange
Stockport
Cheshire
SK1 3GG
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 18
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Registered number: 05835638
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 26 to 49 form part of these financial statements.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Registered number: 05835638
Company Statement of Financial Position
As at
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 26 to 49 form part of these financial statements.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Consolidated Analysis of Net Debt
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
RFL (Governing Body) Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Gate 13, Rowsley Street, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3FF. The principal activity of RFL (Governing Body) Limited ("the RFL") throughout the year was the promotion and regulation of the game of Rugby League. The RFL is the governing body for the sport of Rugby League in Great Britain and Ireland.
2.Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgement in applying the Group's accounting policies (see note 3).
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Comprehensive Income in these financial statements.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. This includes entities limited by guarantee where such control exists. The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the acquisition method. In the Statement of Financial Position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
In arriving at their Going Concern assumptions, the Directors have considered detailed trading forecasts and cashflow projections for at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. These forecasts indicate that with the Group’s strong cash balance, and secure revenue streams going forward, the RFL can continue to trade until at least the next 12 months. The loss made in 2024 was largely anticipated as the Sport takes a medium-term view given the cyclical nature of trading and in particular the international event calendar.
A longer-term financial forecast for the Group demonstrates the Group will continue to have a strong cash position and a have sufficient level of cash to make the RFL’s loan repayments. Based on the above, the directors believe that it is appropriate to prepare these financial statements on a going concern basis.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
A new revenue share model was introduced in 2023. The Rugby Football League Limited 'RFL' receives a share of revenue generated within RL Commercial Limited, a joint venture with RFL (Governing Body) Limited 'RFL GB' and Super League (Europe) Limited 'SLE'. This revenue share is dictated by a framework agreement set up between SLE, RL Commercial and RFL GB. This revenue has been recognised as 'residual income share from joint venture' within turnover (note 4). Government grants are taken to income in order to match them against the related costs. Where amounts have not yet been spent grant monies received are shown as deferred income. Other income comprises course fee income, OurLeagueActive membership fees, income from mouthguard sales and sundry income. It is accounted for on an accruals basis and recognised when the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the contract. Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the same period as the related expenditure.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Page 28
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Page 29
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
In the consolidated accounts, interests in associated undertakings are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under this method an equity investment is initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and is subsequently adjusted to reflect the investors share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate. The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income includes the Group's share of the operating results, interest, pre-tax results and attributable taxation of such undertakings applying accounting policies consistent with those of the Group. In the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the interests in associated undertakings are shown as the Group's share of the identifiable net assets, including any unamortised premium paid on acquisition. Any premium on acquisition is dealt with in accordance with the goodwill policy. Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
Page 31
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
The Group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Group's Statement of Financial Position when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other debtors, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusted for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial assets that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss) and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.
Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Group's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other debtors due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.
Impairment of financial assets
At the end of each reporting period financial assets measured at amortised cost are assessed for objective evidence of impairment. If an asset is impaired the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.
If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after the deduction of all its liabilities.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other creditors, bank loans, other loans and loans due to fellow group companies are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusting for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial liabilities that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss). When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest, discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade creditors are classified as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Derecognition of financial instruments
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised when their contractual right to future cash flow expire, or are settled, or when the Group transfers the asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another party. If significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained after the transfer to another party, then the Group will continue to recognise the value of the portion of the risks and rewards retained.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Key sources of estimation uncertainty The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows: Investment property valuation Investment properties and land and buildings are valued periodically at fair value with reference to comparable transactional market evidence on an arm's length basis. At the year end, the fair value of the investment property was £251,000 (2023: 251,000). An impairment of £Nil was charged to the P/L in the year (2023: £499,000).
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 35
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 36
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 37
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 38
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
14.Taxation (continued)
There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.
Page 39
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Cost and valuation at 31 December 2024 is as follows:
Page 40
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
15.Tangible fixed assets (continued)
Cost and valuation at 31 December 2024 is as follows:
Page 41
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Investment property comprises a sporting stadium that was commercially let during the year and actively marketed for sale in early 2024. The fair value of the investment property as at 31 December 2024 has been determined with reference to an offer received from the lead tenant in July 2024, which reflected the stadium's estimated market value at the reporting date. Subsequent to the year end, the stadium was sold for £260,000 to the lead tenant.
Page 42
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 43
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 44
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Page 45
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
23.Deferred taxation (continued)
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account
The company is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the members is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the company in the event of liquidation.
Page 46
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Potential litigation - brain injury claim
The brain injury claim involving a number of former Rugby League players is progressing through the court system. The latest official court recorded number of Claimants is 315. The Claimants have discontinued their case against the International Rugby League (“IRL”), leaving the RFL and BARLA as the two named Defendants in the case. The Board have decided with input from external experts that no provision needs to be recognised as there is no present obligation or reliable estimate for an expected outflow
The Company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company in an independently administrated fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Company to the fund and amounted to £333,254 (2023: £369,418). Contributions totalling £27,072 (2023: £27,025) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.
Page 47
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The property had a carrying value of £251,000 as at the reporting date. The sale proceeds resulted in a gain on disposal of £9,000, which will be recognised in the subsequent financial period. On 8 September 2025 it was announced that Tony Sutton is to stand down as the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League. Sutton has discussed this with the RFL Board and will now work with the Board over the coming weeks on succession planning. He has also agreed to assist the Board in a number of specific areas in the remainder of the year, including the club grading process and as a member of the panel to determine the proposed expansion of the Betfred Super League in 2026. Tony Sutton joined the RFL as Director of Finance and Facilities in February 2017, having previously spent 13 years with Hull FC. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer in January 2019 and then succeeded Ralph Rimmer as CEO in December 2022
Page 48
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RFL (Governing Body) Limited
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
31.Subsidiary undertakings and joint ventures (continued)
Page 49
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