2015201520152015 2015

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2015 RFL ANNUAL REPORT RFL ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2015

CEO’s Review 4-6 Further Education 29 Chairman’s View 7 Schools 30-31 Board of Directors 8-9 Cares 32-34 120 Years 10 Play Touch RL 35 Wembley Statue 11 Concussion 36 12 Cardiac Screening 37 13 Player Welfare 38-40 Review 14-15 Hall of Fame 42 THE RUGBY Domestic Season Review 16-23 Safeguarding 43 FOOTBALL LEAGUE Events Review 24-25 RLEF Review 44-45 Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, , LS17 8NB Commercial Review 26-27 Operational Plan 46-47 T: 0844 477 7113 Higher Education 28 Financial Review 48-50 www.therfl .co.uk

3 The protocol concussion was also CHIEF EXECUTIVE updated. Players suffering a suspected concussion during a game now have to undergo a proper assessment off the fi eld, with a free interchange allowed. The sport also mourned the passing OFFICER’S REPORT of Match Offi cial Chris The year 2015 represented the 120th anniversary of the This secured their second trophy of the season, having already Leatherbarrow, a talented individual who creation of the sport of Rugby League and as was fi tting for this lifted the Ladbrokes with a comprehensive win over tragically died at such a young age. momentous occasion, a number of celebratory events took place at Wembley. A memorable treble beckoned to appropriately acknowledge this milestone. One of the biggest and it proved to be a nailbiting climax to the season when they VIEWERS AND was the Founders Walk, a 120-mile trek which took in each of the faced Warriors in the First Utility Grand Final. SPECTATORS Northern Union’s 22 founding clubs, while commemorative blue In front of the fi rst-ever sell-out crowd at they won plaques were also placed on the sites of all 22 original grounds 22-20, which proved a fi tting fi nale to the careers of Rugby League Rugby League continued to grow its where the sport was born in 1895. legends and Kevin Sinfi eld, who was runner-up to audience both in spectator numbers and However, perhaps the highlight was the unveiling of a in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. viewers during 2015. The season launch magnifi cent bronze statue at to celebrate the Rugby League broke new ground with the staging of the Magic video was watched by over a million people sport’s long and rich history at that venue. Three years in the Weekend in Newcastle. The switch from presented on the Sky platform and online and Sky making, it features fi ve all-time greats of the sport in , the sport with an opportunity, which it grabbed with both hands. It Sports reported the highest Grand Final , Martin Offi ah, Alex Murphy and . Situated resulted in a record attendance of 67,841 for the weekend, which audience which peaked at over 500,000, on the Wembley concourse, it was unveiled by Sports Minister included a record crowd fi gure of 40,871 for the Saturday games. which is the best since 2009. Tracey Crouch and will surely become the place where Rugby The invaluable experience of staging Magic Weekend led to The inaugural also League fans gather for many years to come. the introduction of the Summer Bash for Championship clubs WEMBLEY STATUE recorded excellent viewing fi gures with a On the fi eld, the new structure delivered spectacular results. at . The fans and clubs embraced the concept and peak of 152,000 for the We adopted the slogan, “Every Minute Matters” and it really did the coverage on brought Championship rugby to a v game, a real in 2015. The destination of the Super League League Leaders’ wider audience. The weekend also featured the fi nal of a new England Women played a two-match Festivals to local community clubs, Play testimonial to the wider attractiveness of Shield was only settled after the fi nal hooter of the fi nal game of competition for League 1 clubs, the iPro Sport Cup, which brought series against , winning 24-4 in Touch Rugby League and the award- Championship Rugby League. the Super 8s when scored a sensational try for Leeds a new sponsor to the game and provided North Crusaders Tonneins and earning a 14-14 draw in winning Talent Pathway. The BBC recorded a combined peak Rhinos at Huddersfi eld. with their fi rst-ever piece of silverware. Biganos. audience of 5.45million for the England v England Academy played one CARDIAC SCREENING New Zealand Series with a 2million peak at 70-75mins of the second international at international fi xture in 2015 against AND CONCUSSION FINANCIAL INTERNATIONAL England hosted New Zealand in a three- France Academy in Carcassonne and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. match series for the fi rst time since 2007. were narrowly beaten 32-31. England Sadly, 2015 will also be remembered The First Utility Grand Final was sold PERFORMANCE RUGBY LEAGUE The series broke new ground with the Youth played two games against their for the loss of player, out for the fi rst time with 73,512 spectators Financially, 2015 was a very strong year At the start of the year, the World Club fi rst staging of at Rugby League match in French counterparts. They won the fi rst Danny Jones, who died tragically during coming through the turnstiles at Old with the highest Turnover recorded in Challenge was expanded to include three The Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic game at Wakefi eld 16-6 but lost the a fi xture at Skolars. As one has Trafford. A record 67,841 fans attended non-World Cup years since 2011 and teams from each hemisphere in another Park in London. England took the Albert second 20-8 at Featherstone. come to expect from the Rugby League Magic Weekend in Newcastle and a total investment around the sport at the highest exciting innovation. Wolves Baskerville Shield with victories at the KC England won the Wheelchair Rugby family, supporters from around the country of 101,040 spectators watched the England ever level. I am also pleased to report that hosted St George Illawarra and Wigan Stadium, Hull and the DW Stadium, Wigan League European Championship after rallied round to raise funds for his widow, v New Zealand series. Sixty one per cent for the fourteenth year in succession the Warriors took on Broncos while with captain Sean O’Loughlin awarded the beating world champions France 28-24. Lizzie, and their young twins. of tickets purchased for games at Queen RFL has posted a pre-tax profi t, on this 2014 champions St Helens played South George Smith Medal after being named Lizzie captured the hearts of the nation Elizabeth Olympic Park were from the occasion of £201,000. Rabbitohs for the World Club Player of the Series. PARTICIPATION by, remarkably, performing at both the London and the South East with 60 per Year on year turnover increased by 33 crown. While results didn’t go the way of Having beaten France at Leigh Sports Ladbrokes Challenge Cup fi nal and the cent of ticket purchasers having never 2015 saw a ground breaking new per cent, which can be attributed, in the the Super League clubs, a total of 51,902 Village prior to the series, it represented a BBC Sports Personality of the Year. purchased a ticket via the RFL before. partnership initiative between the RFL main, to increased broadcast and match fans attended the games, which included clean sweep for the national side. As a direct result of Danny’s death, it And there were other attendance and broadcaster Sky with £1.5million of income. Match income increased by 62 a capacity 17,980 at Langtree Park. Elsewhere on the international stage, was agreed at the RFL annual meeting milestones. The opening round of Super funding being allocated. per cent as a consequence of hosting the ’s appearance at the game England Students retained their 2015 that compulsory cardiac screening was to League saw Hull Kingston Rovers post a Sky Try is the biggest ever Rugby New Zealand international series in the helped to raise the profi le of both the Students Four Nations crown with a 100 be extended across all three professional ground record of 11,811 for the visit of Leeds League programme for schools. Over the autumn of 2015. Sponsorship income series and Rugby League in general. per cent record. divisions in 2016. Rhinos. Bulls set a new Kingstone next seven years, the project will help grew by 64 per cent, due to an increase in 700,000 children and young people the number and value of partnerships. have fun, get active, grow in confi dence Government funding also increased by INTERNATIONALS and enjoy Rugby League. The Sky SKY TRY 4.5 per cent while the RFL’s broadcasting Try campaign connects children and agreements further enhanced the top young people to top class coaching line. As a consequence of these factors, from professional Rugby League clubs the RFL, with the exception of the hugely through the Rugby League Foundations. successful RLWC2013 year, posted a This will have a signifi cant effect on record turnover in 2015 and signs for the the future of Rugby League by giving future of the game are promising. hundreds of thousands of children and As a result, the funds distributed around young people a high quality introduction the sport were at the highest ever levels to the sport and helping them to fi nd more which has provided a level of fi nancial local playing opportunities - from Primary stability around the professional game not Rugby League and Secondary School seen for some time.

4 5 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT A year of fi rsts…

2015 saw a range of bold initiatives, were treated to two days of fun and top and all that hard work, plus the logistics something which the RFL has become class action, preceded by the inaugural over the weekend, showed that the RFL synonymous with. The year opened iPro Sport Cup Final. This new knock- had made an inspired choice. with the newly-expanded World Club out competition brought together two of The tragedy of Danny Jones showed MAGIC WEEKEND Series which had Super League’s top the best Kingstone Press League 1 sides the Rugby League community at its three clubs taking on three of their NRL and the whole weekend showed that the most caring. The support for Danny’s counterparts. sport was in vibrant health in all tiers of widow Lizzie and her two young children Press Championship record when 6,881 one delegates attended the annual structures to ensure that we have the right While the results weren’t favourable, the professional game. was overwhelming and her rendition spectators attended their match against Safeguarding Conference at Leigh Sports blend of skills and resources available the excitement around the games was Super League broke new ground of “Abide With Me” at the Ladbrokes Vikings in The Qualifi ers. A new Village, which featured workshops and/ to deliver the best possible service to all terrifi c, culminating in Hollywood star just one week later when Newcastle’s Challenge Cup fi nal was truly moving. League 1 attendance record of 4,066 was or presentations on a wide variety of consumers of Rugby League, in whatever Russell Crowe fl ying into Langtree Park St James’ Park was the venue for And who would have believed that also set by Keighley Cougars in their home courses. capacity they enjoy the sport; playing, to see his Magic Weekend. Forced to move from as collected that iconic match against Bears. The RFL hosted a round table coaching, spectating, volunteering, beat St Helens and be crowned world Manchester due to work being done at trophy, it was to be the fi rst of a historic discussion attended by other NGB offi ciating or viewing. champions. the Etihad Stadium, the decision to take treble. Safeguarding Lead Offi cers, the Child In December 2015, after an extensive PLAYER WELFARE AND In May we witnessed the fi rst-ever the event to the North East proved a 2015 saw the introduction of the new Protection in Sport Unit, representatives consultation process, DCMS published Summer Bash, which featured a round of winner with record crowds fl ocking to the format to decide the First Utility Super EDUCATION from Local Safeguarding Children Boards a new Strategy for Sport. It is clear Kingstone Press Championship matches stadium. It should be remembered that League champions and also the re- The Player Welfare Policy has now been and Local Authority Designated Offi cers that the strategic objectives now being in Blackpool. The famous seaside resort much thought and planning went into introduction of promotion and relegation. in place for four years and for two of those together with some charities working in pursued by DCMS through its principle proved an inspired choice as supporters the decision to stage Magic in Newcastle The slogan “Every Minute Matters” was years each club has been required to this area to share best practice. agency, Sport England, will be wider never more apt as Leeds Rhinos claimed have a three-day-a-week Player Welfare The RFL also took a major role in the and broader than ever before and as the League Leaders’ Shield in the dying Manager (PWM). All clubs now have one CPSU Lead Offi cer conference, the theme more partners are engaged to deliver seconds of their fi nal league game. They in place. of which was Celebrating Difference. these sporting solutions for the nation, completed a clean sweep of domestic There has been a considerable the likelihood is that resource fl owing silverware in a tense Grand Final in front improvement over the last 12 months both through national governing bodies of THE FUTURE of a fi rst-ever sold out Old Trafford. in the number of clubs now fully applying sport will be diminished over time. As The RFL’s willingness to take risks and the policy and that change in culture has 2016 is the second year of the RFL’s is clear from the above, the RFL has a innovate had paid off. led to players engaging fully with what is new seven-year Strategic Plan. The signifi cant dependency on public sector The season climaxed with a fi rst on offer. Plan has the customer at its heart and money and the RFL Board are of the international series against New Zealand The RFL continues to lead the agenda looks particularly at broadcast, viewers, view that from April 2017 the climate in since 2007. It didn’t disappoint. Rugby on welfare and holds regular meetings spectators at games, participants playing which we operate will be fi nancially more League broke new ground with the for PWMs to discuss issues, share best the sport at all levels, and of course competitive than currently exists. second match being staged at The practice, hear presentations from providers winning internationally. Conversely, the RFL has made a Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic and roll out short training programmes. The new broadcast contract, which commitment to bid for the in London. There may have been The Player Welfare and Education extends the relationship with Sky to World Cup in 2021 with the benefi t of disappointment when the Kiwis won the Forum has met quarterly and has been beyond 30 years, also sees record substantial public sector fi nancial support game to level the series but this set the invaluable in providing a critical but levels of investment from British Sky and we are hopeful that our bid will be scene for a sell-out decider at the DW constructive view on the progress of Player Broadcasting, ensuring that more persuasive to enable this country once Stadium, with England taking the series Welfare Policy. matches than ever before will be shown again to host an outstanding international after a nail-biting fi nale. The RFL Career Coaches have had the live on TV with both Super League and celebration of the sport in 2021. It was a fi tting end to a year in highest level of take up on career 1-2-1s to Championship clubs benefi ting from the which the RFL and the Rugby League date with 143 taking place with full-time increased exposure. The clubs will not community at large celebrated the 120th players during the year. only enjoy fi nancial stability during the CONCLUSION anniversary of the game’s formation. We Good relationships have been built up next six years but the game as a whole hope we did our founding fathers with training and education providers will benefi t from the investment made I would like to close by thanking the proud. and Rugby League Learning have proved by Sky across every level, including clubs, volunteers, staff and everyone After such a positive year, we a valuable partner in sourcing training investment in the community game. associated with Rugby League for their can forward to 2016 with real provision. Internally, the RFL is undertaking a hard work and support throughout the “Transformational Change” Project to year, and look forward to the challenges anticipation. support our aspiration of putting the that 2016 will bring. SAFEGUARDING customer at the centre of all our activities. It has been a year of signifi cant progress This project incorporates a review of our Nigel Wood Chairman with regard to Safeguarding. Sixty technological capability and internal Chief Executive Offi cer The RFL

6 7 SIMON JOHNSON Director of Rights and Business industry, including 20 years at CLARE MORROW Non-Executive Director Affairs at ITV. He was Chief director level at Wm Morrison Non-Executive Director ■ Simon Johnson was Operating Officer of the bid to Supermarkets plc, together ■ Clare Morrow played a appointed Non-Executive host the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a successful period as the pivotal role in the successful THE RFL BOARD Director of the RFL in July, in England and is currently a company’s Chief Executive. bid to secure the staging of two 2014. member of the Group Board He is currently a Non- stages of the Tour de France BRIAN BARWICK From 1979-98, he held a overseen the implementation management executives in He has a wealth of of the Amateur Executive Director on the in in 2014, as she Chairman range of senior roles at BBC of a formal grants protocol for British sport. experience in the sports and Association. Boards of Leeds Building is Chair of the award-winning ■ Brian Barwick was Sport and was responsible the first time in the history of His Rugby League career media industry, together After a highly successful Society, the Greyhound Board marketing agency Welcome appointed independent Non- for award-winning coverage the organisation. began 23 years ago in South with a widely acknowledged career in broadcasting of Great Britain, Frank Roberts To Yorkshire. She is also a Executive Chairman of the of the BBC Sport portfolio, His work at the RFL has Yorkshire when he joined expertise in sports law and Simon lends his considerable and Sons and First Milk Ltd. non-executive director of the RFL at the beginning of 2013 including the summer and supported the development of as a Development governance. experience to the RFL and Bob brings a wealth of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS and has brought a wealth winter Olympics, FIFA the game both in the UK and Officer and he took up a Simon has previously adds value to the sport. knowledge to the RFL in Trust. of experience in sport and World Cups and outstanding , including working similar role three years held positions as Director commercial skills, cost control She also sits on the Board broadcasting to the role. national events like the Rugby with broadcast partners to later at Sheffield Eagles. of Corporate Affairs and BOB STOTT operations and strategic of Sheffield Theatres and is a He has held a number of League Challenge Cup final, ensure the widest possible In 1997 he was appointed Company Secretary at the Non-Executive Director management from his vast trustee and school governor senior executive positions Wimbledon, the Open audience for international General Manager and then Football Association, Director ■ Bob has extensive corporate experiences and of Hollybank School in including Chief Executive championship, the Grand matches. became Chief Executive of of Legal and Business Affairs experience in the highly enjoys all team sports. Mirfield. of the Football Association, National and the FA Cup Nigel joined the RFL the Sheffield Super League at the FA Premier League and competitive supermarket Bob retired in 2015. A highly-experienced Controller of Sport at ITV and Final. in 2001 and has held a club. Under his tenure, the television executive, she of Television Sport at He was Editor of Match of number of positions in the club won the Challenge Cup was Controller of News and BBC during his career. the Day from 1987 to 1995. organisation, including Chief following the memorable Regional Progammes at ITV He is a visiting Professor Financial Officer. Prior to final victory over Wigan at Yorkshire. During her time of Strategic Leadership at NIGEL WOOD working for the RFL, he was Wembley. there, she also held the The School of Management Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive of Super Ralph then moved to a position of Head of Sport and at Liverpool University and a ■ A Director at the RFL for League club Halifax Blue Sox similar role at Huddersfield was responsible for Yorkshire founding partner at the global the last 14 years, Nigel has and Deputy Head of Finance Giants for five years before Television’s Rugby League sports and media consultancy been Chief Executive Officer for BBC North. He graduated joining the Board as a Non- output. This included the - Barwick Media and Sport. since 2007 and in May 2014 from the University of Executive Director and taking creation, development and In his time as CEO of the was appointed Chairman Bradford in 1996 with a MBA on the role of Managing production of the award- FA from 2005 to 2008, Brian of the Rugby League in Business Administration. Director of the stadium winning Rugby League Raw saw through the completion International Federation. Nigel played Rugby company Stadium Series. of the new Wembley Stadium, His appointment to head League for Bradford Northern Development Ltd. launched the Respect the body which is responsible and Halifax RLFC at junior The last decade has campaign and was involved in for the development, levels and Huddersfield at also seen him take on a the appointment of two senior governance and organisation reserve grade, together with directorship at Huddersfield THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE coaches for the national team. of the game internationally a number of seasons playing Town FC, where he helped BOARD COMMITTEES The RFL believes that there should be a formal and transparent He was also a board member comes just a few months community Rugby League in them to come out of The Board has established four specific committees, each with defined procedure for appointing new members to the Board of Directors. of Wembley Stadium Ltd after he helped to deliver the the . administration. He also terms of reference. Minutes of the meetings are circulated to and To this end the Board established a Nominations Committee which and FIFA’s Legal Committee most successful international He enjoys spending his managed the Ireland national reviewed by the Board. will lead the process for board appointments. This Committee is plus UEFA’s National Teams Rugby League tournament spare time at Brighouse Rugby League team from chaired by Brian Barwick and includes Bob Stott, Clare Morrow, THE AUDIT COMMITTEE Simon Johnson and the RFL CEO. The Committee is responsible Committee. of all time in his role as Rangers ARLFC where he 1997 to 2002 and the This consists of the three Non-Executive Directors and the CEO. for nominating candidates to fill board vacancies for the approval At ITV, he was responsible Tournament Director of Rugby assists with the coaching of Yorkshire Origin team in This Committee is chaired by Bob Stott, and normally meets once of the Board as and when they arise. Before considering any for all the broadcaster’s League World Cup 2013. the Under-14s team. 2002. a year and in addition to the Committee members is attended by appointment, the balance of skills, knowledge and experience sport coverage, including the Nigel was elected Vice He was Managing Director representatives of the external auditors and the Director of Finance on the Board is evaluated and, in the light of this evaluation, a 1998 FIFA World Cup during Chairmain of the RLIF in RALPH RIMMER of The Galpharm Stadium and and Central Services. The Non-Executive Chairman, and all other description of the role and capabilities required for a particular which the highest audience May 2012 having worked in Chief Operating Officer Project Lead on the £2million board directors, have a standing invite to attend. The Audit Committee appointment is prepared. In addition full consideration is given to considers the Annual Report and Accounts before submission to in the network’s history was support of the Federation for a ■ Ralph Rimmer joined redevelopment in 2007 and succession planning in the course of its work, taking into account RFL Council for approval. The Committee also reviews accounting the challenges and opportunities facing the company and the skills achieved when 28million decade. He is Chairman of the the RFL board two years also undertook a similar practices to ensure compliance with accounting standards. In addition and expertise that are therefore needed on the Board in the future people tuned in to watch Business, Finance and Grants ago and is one of the most role on the £150million HD it recommends the appointment of the external auditors for approval as well as regularly reviewing the structure, size and composition England v Argentina. Sub-Committee, which has experienced development and One Leisure Development. at the AGM, gives consideration to the scope of past and future audits, (including skills, knowledge and experience) of the Board and He acted as Management deals with matters arising from the audit and reviews internal control making recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes. Consultant on the Leigh procedures. All non-audit services provided by the Group’s auditors Sports Village development, are considered by the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Chief RISK MANAGEMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE Executive Officer and are reviewed by the Audit Committee where The RFL have had a Risk Management Control Group for a number and similar initiatives at expenditure is above a set limit for this type of work. of years. This group has reported into the Board since its inception, Colchester United FC and but in 2013 the Board decided that this group should be a formal City Stadium. THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE Committee of the RFL Board to further demonstrate the Board’s A player with Ulverston The Board of Directors consider it important to benchmark key staff commitment to risk. The Committee is chaired by Bob Stott and ARLFC , Ralph captained the against other businesses of similar size and against other sports also includes the RFL’s Company Secretary and Director of Finance Liverpool University team and governing bodies. To this end, the Remuneration Committee meets and Central Services, Sue Allan; the RFL’s Legal and Compliance played at student international as appropriate under the chairmanship of Clare Morrow and also Officer, Robert Hicks; the RFL’s Facilities Manager, Sarah Trumble; comprises Simon Johnson and Bob Stott. The Committee determines and an external insurance specialist from Bartlett & Company. level before joining the the terms and conditions of employment for executive directors and The Committee reviews the risks of the business and investigates Wakefield club, Stanley Old agrees the level of remuneration for senior managers whose earnings appropriate responses to the identified risks. Boys. are in excess of the committee’s prescribed limit.

8 9 WEMBLEY 120 YEARS STATUE Celebrating Rugby League’s foundation… Rugby League legends immortalised at the national stadium…

In 2015 Rugby League seized the featured six individual routes taking in the part over the six days, others for their A highlight of Rugby League’s 120th opportunity to look back and celebrate its original grounds. The walkers were joined words of encouragement and all those anniversary was the unveiling of a bronze very foundation. each day by guests who walked that that raised money to support worthy statue at Wembley Stadium before the On August 29 1895, 22 clubs met at section and then by the masses from the Rugby League causes.” 2015 Leeds Rhinos v Hull Kingston Rovers the George Hotel in Huddersfi eld and community game and club foundations Commemorative blue plaques were Ladbrokes Challenge Cup fi nal. voted to break away from the Rugby who walked four or fi ve miles to raise placed on the sites of all 22 original The statue, created by Hull-based Football Union and set up on their own funds for their own club. Northern Union grounds. sculptor Stephen Winterburn, was three competition. What was initially the After completing the walk Nigel Wood The history of the sport was brought to years in the making and features fi ve all- Northern Union eventually became the said: “The Founders Walk was a fantastic life in a fantastic exhibition which toured time greats of the sport in Eric Ashton, RFL and a completely different sport. opportunity to celebrate the 120th the North during 2015. Thanks to a grant Billy Boston, Martin Offi ah, Alex Murphy To mark and honour that brave initiative anniversary of Rugby League and its rich from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rugby and Gus Risman. there were a number of events throughout history which we are all very proud of. League Heritage on Tour was put together A panel of journalists, coaches, players, the year. One of the biggest was the “It was probably one of the toughest by Rugby League Cares. MPs, national newspaper editors and fans Founders Walk, a 120-mile trek which things I have ever done but being As well as detailing the history of the were all involved in the voting and, after THE IMMORTALS AND THEIR took in each of the Northern Union’s 22 joined by the Rugby League family at sport and its development the exhibition much discussion and consultation, the founding clubs and their original grounds different stages along the way really boasted many fascinating artefacts, legendary quintet were chosen. REPRESENTATIVES AT THE UNVEILING over six fantastic days in July. helped everybody through. We had including a jersey from the fi rst-ever The statue, situated 50 metres from The walk was led by RFL Chief former players, colleagues, community Rugby League Test match and the ball the Bobby Moore statue on the Wembley Executive Nigel Wood, who was joined members and friends joining us from Hull from the famous 1954 Challenge Cup concourse, was commissioned by the or playing at Wembley. But whatever your at different stages by walkers from every to St Helens. fi nal replay between Warrington and Rugby League Cares charity and unveiled desire is, you never imagine for a moment branch of the Rugby League family, “Many of the original grounds that Halifax. by Sports Minister Tracey Crouch on the that anything like this will be achieved. including representatives from as many of were on our route no longer exist but the The exhibition also told the story of the 120th anniversary to the day the sport “It’s very important to have this statue. the founding clubs as possible. Founders Walk was a fascinating journey game’s split from , the fi rst was founded. The Rugby League statue will be a Organised in association with Rugby into the past, as well as a celebration of World Cup, the dreadful banning of the “This is the pinnacle of my career, meeting place for Rugby League fans. In League Cares to raise money for the our great sport, for everyone who took game in France during World War Two without a doubt,” said Offi ah. “I had a 20 or 30 years’ time, it will still be there sport’s charitable causes, the walk part. I’d like to thank everybody that took and much more. conversation with the sculptor Stephen as a shrine to Rugby League.” Winterburn and we were in agreement “I think the statue looks great,” said that this is the greatest honour that -born Boston, who scored a record any sportsman in any sport could 478 tries for Wigan from 1953-68. “It’s ever have. such a massive honour to have “To have it at the national something like this and to be a stadium, too, is beyond part of it, too.” anything you could ever Murphy, who was inducted dream of. When you’re into the Rugby League Hall of young, you dream about Fame in 1988, ranks the statue as representing your country the greatest achievement in the sport. “I think it’s the biggest thing to happen in Rugby League,” Murphy said. “When people go to Wembley for different events, they’re not only going to see a statue of Bobby Moore, but they’ll also see the Rugby League statue of Billy Boston, Eric Ashton, Gus Risman, Martin Offi ah and myself. It’s huge for Rugby League to have a permanent place at Wembley.”

10 11 MAGIC WORLD WEEKEND 2015 CLUB SERIES Breaking new ground… Expanding the concept…

The newly-expanded World Club Series saw the three top clubs in Super League - St Helens, WARRINGTON’S and - take on South Sydney Rabbitohs, and SCORES St George Illawarra from the NRL. The Series kicked off when Warrington AGAINST faced St George Illawarra at the Halliwell ST GEORGE Jones Stadium. A crowd of just over 13,000 saw the team go toe-to-toe with ILLAWARRA the Australian side, who eventually ran out 18-12 winners. The action switched to the DW Stadium the following night with Wigan playing host to the Brisbane Broncos. Once again the action on the fi eld didn’t Magic Weekend broke new ground in development taking place in the with a 46-20 victory. Wigan Warriors disappoint, with a last-gasp try from 2015. After three successful years in North East where there are already and Leeds Rhinos rounded off the day’s Wigan’s sending the game Manchester a new venue had to be over 1,000 players and 66 teams, action with the Warriors securing a into extra-time. The Broncos sought due to work being done at the including and their 27-12 victory. squeezed through 14-12 in front of a opted to watch his beloved Rabbitohs in The move to expand the event was Etihad Stadium. St James’ Park, the Foundation, which has benefited from Wet conditions greeted the opening crowd of over 20,000. rather than attend a success with a total of 51,902 fans home of Newcastle United FC, was Sky Try funding aimed at ensuring this game on Sunday and what began as a The stage was set for the clash of the Oscars ceremony in California. attending the three games. chosen to host the ninth annual event. weekend leaves a lasting legacy. scrappy affair between the champions between St Helens and He witnessed his team dominate from Crowe’s presence at St Helens for the It was a bold decision to re-locate to As usual, the action on the pitch didn’t and Huddersfield Giants turned into a South Sydney at a sold-out Langtree the kick-off and they led 24-0 at half- fi nal game undoubtedly raised the profi le the North East, but it turned out to be one disappoint. Following the reorganisation tense affair with the teams finishing all Park. Among those in the crowd was time, eventually winning 39-0 to take of both the event and Rugby League in of the best yet. A total of 67,788 fans of Super League, the Magic Weekend square at 22-22. Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, who the crown. this country. packed into the stadium for the two-day featured 12 teams and six matches, as The St Helens v Warrington Wolves sporting spectacular, which was an all- opposed to the seven games in previous match proved a real cracker with Saints time Magic Weekend record. The 40,871 years. coming back from a 16-8 deficit at half- supporters who attended the Saturday The weekend kicked off with Salford time to claim a 20-16 victory. round of games was also a record. Red Devils taking on , Tigers’ 56-16 victory over All the Super League clubs embraced with the Vikings winning 38-16. Next neighbours Wakefield Trinity Wildcats the new venue, as did the Rugby League up was the where Hull FC brought the curtain down on a truly fans who attended and helped create ensured bragging rights wonderful weekend. that unique carnival atmosphere which the sport is famed for. Newcastle City Council, NE1, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative and Newcastle United Football Club, as well as the people of Newcastle and the North East region, took to the event with a warmth and enthusiasm in making it a special occasion. First Utility wholeheartedly supported the move to Newcastle and the commitment and hard work of all partners, sponsors and agencies, as well as RFL staff, ensured that Rugby League fans were given a ST HELENS FORWARD LUKE warm welcome at St James’ Park and in THOMPSON IS TACKLED BY and around the city of Newcastle. SOUTH SYDNEY’S JASON The weekend also presented a great opportunity to build on the tremendous CLARK AND

12 13 ENGLAND 2015 REVIEW International series win over New Zealand…

England were involved in a three-match international series against New Zealand England Students retained their 2015 Students Four Nations crown with a in the autumn of 2015. The Kiwis were 100 per cent record. the number one ranked side in the world and the tour was their fi rst to these shores England Women played a two-match series against France, winning 24-4 since 2007. in Tonneins and earning a 14-14 draw in Biganos. There were seven uncapped players in England won the Wheelchair Rugby League European Championship after Steve McNamara’s squad, , Ben beating world champions France 28-24. Currie, John Bateman, George Williams, Joe Burgess, Mike Cooper and Jermaine McGillvary, with Sean O’Loughlin named added a penalty to make it 12-12 at the try from , which Widdop captain. Eighteen of the squad had interval but the second-half belonged to converted. progressed through the talent system England. They scored 14-unanswered But New Zealand hit back when Jason since 2009. points through tries from Ferres and Nightingale crossed and added Prior to the series, England played O’Loughlin, and three goals from Widdop. the extras to reduce the arrears to just QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, OLYMPIC PARK France at , running It augured well for the second match at two points at half-time. They piled on the out impressive 84-4 winners. The Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic pressure early in the second-half and it The fi rst international against New Park in London but in a tough war of took some desperate defending from the touched down and Widdop maintained Zealand was played at the KC Stadium in attrition New Zealand levelled the series home side to keep them at bay. his 100 per cent kicking record with the Hull and it looked ominous for England in with a 9-2 victory. Having weathered the storm England conversion. the opening exchanges when the visitors It was all set up for a showdown at the increased their lead going into the fi nal However, from the re-start they found raced into a 10-0 lead. DW Stadium in Wigan a week later and, quarter when Whitehead went over for his themselves under pressure from New However, the home side worked their despite the cold, wet conditions, it didn’t second try of the game, which Widdop Zealand and nerves were jangling in the way back into the game with tries from disappoint. England opened the scoring once again converted. With eight minutes home camp as the Kiwis crossed for two and , both with a Widdop penalty and after 27 remaining they looked to have wrapped tries in three minutes. But Luke couldn’t converted by . The Kiwis minutes they were 8-0 ahead thanks to a up the contest when skipper O’Loughlin convert either of them and the England defence stood fi rm until the fi nal whistle. Sean O’Loughlin stepped up to receive the Albert Baskerville Shield and also collected the George Smith Medal after being named Man of the Series. It was to be Steve McNamara’s last game in charge of the national team. Jon Roberts, Director of Performance and Development, said: “The series win over world champions New Zealand set the seal on an immensely satisfying year for England. The victory was the culmination of years of hard work, both on and off the fi eld. “It was also testament to the talent ENGLAND ACADEMY system which we have put in place. We England Academy played one international fi xture game in 2015. They played are seeing a steady stream of top class France Academy in Carcassonne and were narrowly beaten 32-31. players feed into the national set-up, as A training camp was held in October, alongside the full England squad as witnessed by the seven uncapped players they prepared for the international series against New Zealand. This was for who made the 2015 squad. players eligible for the 2016 Tour. “Steve McNamara has been a huge David Elliott, England Youth and Academy Manager, said: “2015 was a ELLIOTT WHITEHEAD factor in this development over the last transformational and development year for the England Academy programme. few seasons and it is only right that we During the year we had an individual and group focus into the England culture SCORES HIS SECOND TRY acknowledge his immense contribution to and environment. We worked hard on putting the correct values, standards and AT THE DW STADIUM the national team and the entire England behaviours for players in place for the 2016 Australia tour.” talent programme.”

14 15 SUPER LEEDS RHINOS COMPLETE THE LEAGUE TREBLE AT OLD TRAFFORD REVIEW Leeds Rhinos sweep the board…

Leeds Rhinos became the fi rst side After all 12 clubs had played each seasoned campaigners, including Jamie to complete the treble of domestic other home and away, plus the Magic Peacock, Kevin Sinfi eld and Kylie Leuluai honours since St Helens achieved the Weekend fi xture, the top eight clubs, who all announced their intention to feat in 2006. But while the lifting of the having secured their Super League retire at the end of the season. In their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup at Wembley status, took part in the newly-formulated fi nal Super 8s match at Huddersfi eld it was a relatively straightforward affair, the Super 8s. This involved a further seven looked like the League Leaders’ Shield quest for the First Utility League Leaders’ fi xtures with the top four sides having the was heading to the DW Stadium as the Shield and the Super League trophy was advantage of four home games and three Rhinos trailed 16-8 with seven minutes a much more fraught one. away matches. remaining. They managed to draw level The Rhinos kicked off their 2015 Under this new system, Leeds had to and with just seconds left on the clock campaign with four straight wins and, fi ght their way through the Super 8s to Ryan Hall sprinted down the touchline apart from a slight wobble at the end earn the League Leaders’ Shield. The for a try which gave them a 20-16 victory of April and the beginning of May, they Rhinos won their fi rst three games but and the Shield. cruised through the regular season to suffered something of a Challenge Cup Following the Super 8s, the top four fi nish top of the pile. hangover, losing to St Helens, Catalans clubs - Leeds, Wigan, Huddersfi eld and Once again, it looked as though they in the Grand Final by Wigan. At least outside the top four alongside Warrington But the 2015 campaign saw a radical Dragons and Castleford after their St Helens - all qualifi ed for the play-off would miss out on the ultimate prize they had the consolation of having Wolves, Catalans Dragons and Hull FC, change to the format which would not Wembley triumph over Hull Kingston semi-fi nals. The Rhinos beat St Helens in when they trailed the Warriors 20-16 the competition’s leading try scorer in who all secured their Super League only decide the Super League champions Rovers. their last-four contest to set up a meeting going into the fi nal quarter. However, Jermaine McGillvary. status by fi nishing in the top eight but but set up an annual promotion/ It seemed that time was fi nally with Wigan Warriors, who had beaten in front of the fi rst sell-out Grand Final Last year’s champions St Helens had a never really looked like making the play- relegation battle. catching up with a squad dominated by Huddersfi eld, at Old Trafford. crowd, their ability to close out tight disappointing end to their season. Dogged offs. games came to the fore and a try from by injuries, after being beaten by Leeds It was a different story for Challenge , converted inevitably by Rhinos in the Challenge Cup semi-fi nal Cup fi nalists Hull Kingston Rovers, TRINITY WILDCATS CELEBRATE Kevin Sinfi eld, saw them home by two they went on to lose their fi rst three Super who faced the threat of relegation after points. 8s matches. However, they managed to fi nishing in the bottom four alongside WINNING THE For Wigan it was another bitter pill qualify for the play-off semi-fi nals with Widnes Vikings, to swallow after being pipped by the wins over Leeds, Castleford and Wigan and Wakefi eld Trinity Wildcats. Those Rhinos for the League Leaders’ Shield. before the Rhinos ended their hopes of a four clubs had to battle the top four Huddersfi eld Giants had another solid but return to Old Trafford. Championship clubs Leigh Centurions, ultimately frustrating season, fi nishing Castleford failed to reach the heights , Sheffi eld Eagles and third and being denied a fi rst appearance of their previous season, fi nishing just Halifax in The Qualifi ers to retain their Super League status. Hull Kingston Rovers won all their games and Widnes beat their Championship opposition, but Salford lost at Bradford 41-10 and Wakefi eld were beaten 24-10 at Sheffi eld. Which left Wakefi eld Trinity Wildcats, who had spent much of the season at the bottom of the table, fi ghting for their Super League lives. They fi nished in fourth place, with Bradford in fi fth, and the pair contested the fi rst Million Pound RYAN HALL Game at . CLINCHES THE It proved to be a close contest which was in doubt until the fi nal minutes, but LEAGUE LEADERS’ Wakefi eld’s 24-16 victory ensured that SHIELD FOR the same 12 Super League teams would LEEDS RHINOS do battle again in 2016.

16 17 LADBROKES CHALLENGE CUP REVIEW Rhinos’ cup triumph kicks off quest for treble…

Rugby League’s oldest competition had February. Leigh Miners Rangers and Great Leigh Miners Rangers’ home against a new sponsor in 2015, with Ladbrokes Britain Police were both beaten in Round treble winners West Hull. A late try sealed putting their name to the iconic trophy for One but found themselves re-instated a 32-28 victory for the home side who the next three years. after the sides that knocked them out, were making the most of the lifeline Leeds Rhinos began their quest for and Mayfi eld thrown to them after their Round One a clean sweep of domestic honours by respectively, were found to have fi elded defeat. retaining the Challenge Cup. Having ineligible players. In the all-League 1 clash, Barrow secured the trophy in 2014 for the fi rst Leigh made the most of their second Raiders got their campaign off to a fl ying time in 15 years they managed back-to- chance with a 26-18 victory over start with a 38-22 home win over Keighley back wins with a 50-0 hammering of Hull Cumbrian champions Walney Central in Cougars. No scalps were claimed by the Kingston Rovers in front of over 80,000 the Second Round but the Police went community clubs over their professional spectators. down 38-16 to Widnes West Bank. counterparts, but were Leeds wing made history The Kingstone Press League 1 sides given a fright at Kells with the Cumbrian by becoming the fi rst player to score fi ve entered the fray in Round Three, played outfi t taking an early lead. They were tries in a fi nal, which also earned him the in early March. The pick of the all- eventually overhauled and Hornets went Trophy. Rovers, appearing at community club clashes turned out to be on to win 29-12. broke all kinds of records in their 86-4 demolition of However, Halifax found Wakefield Rovers 37-34 in a thriller to set- Wembley Stadium for the fi rst time in 29 at the New River Stadium. Trinity Wildcats a little too hot to handle up a last-eight trip to Hull Kingston Rovers. years, froze on the big stage and never The Kingstone Press Championship as James Webster’s side, thrashed 80-0 Widnes Vikings survived a second-half looked like getting their hands on the clubs joined the competition in Round by Warrington Wolves in Super League a fightback from Bulldogs before trophy for the fi rst time since 1980. Four and they wasted no time in making week earlier, ran out 44-16 winners. But winning 26-22, but Championship leaders The Rhinos led 16-0 at half-time and their presence felt. City Knights Championship leaders Leigh went one Leigh Centurions conjured up a sensational piled on the points in the second-half with and Leigh Centurions kicked the round better; stunning Salford Red Devils with a second-half revival to dump Super League Briscoe rounding things off with his fi fth off with two Friday night fixtures. York 22-18 victory at Leigh Sports Village. side Wakefield Trinity Wildcats out of the try in the fi nal minute. Hull KR’s scrum- notched up a 58-8 win over community Hull Kingston Rovers battled past competition with a 36-30 win at Belle half , whose participation club , while Leigh’s Bradford to reach the last 16, winning Vue. had been in doubt due to a knee injury, encounter with proved 50-30 at Odsal, while Hull FC held off a In the quarter-finals Hull KR saw off a toiled in vain to get his side into the game equally one-sided. Their 64-12 demolition spirited comeback by Sheffield, eventually second-half fightback by Catalans Dragons while Rhinos’ skipper Kevin Sinfi eld, in of the Londoners hinted at what was to running out 34-14 winners. Leigh Miners at the KC Lightstream Stadium to win his last Wembley fi nal, was at the heart of come, with ’s side clearly in saw their cup run halted with a 44-14 32-26 which put them into the semi- everything his side did. the mood to make an impact further down defeat to York. finals for the first time since 2006. Leeds The road to a sunlit Wembley Stadium the track. Hull KR sprang the surprise of Round secured their place in the last four with a in August had begun in deep mid-winter. There were more points piled up in the Six when they beat Wigan Warriors 16-12. comfortable 24-6 win over Hull FC at a The competition kicked off in late January Saturday fixtures, with , A late touchdown from left the rain-soaked KC Stadium. with 40 community clubs, including coached by the old Challenge Cup former Challenge Cup kings on the canvas Warrington Wolves finally ended the ’s Aberdeen Warriors, Valley mastermind , posting a 78-6 win as Rovers made it into the last eight. Challenge Cup dream of Leigh Centurions, Cougars from Wales and South West over Knights and Featherstone Warrington Wolves eased through with but were made to fight all the way for Chargers from London, plus two university Rovers cruising past Whitehaven 36-12 a 52-10 win over Rams, and their 34-24 victory at the Halliwell Jones sides, Leeds Beckett and Loughborough. in an all-Championship fixture on the there was another comfortable win at Stadium. St Helens secured the final place The armed forces were represented by Cumbrian coast. Langtree Park, where the St Helens flyer in the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a the Royal Navy and the Army, who were Leigh Miners ensured a community club Tommy Makinson finished with a 22-point 36-20 home victory over Widnes Vikings. joined by the British Police. presence in the next round with a 32-6 haul in their 46-6 win over York. Leeds Rhinos booked their place The tie of the round was between victory over . Hull FC won an all-Super League tie at Wembley for the fifth time in six National Conference League champions With the lower-ranked Super with 40-14 and holders seasons after beating St Helens 24-14 at West Hull and fellow Premier Division League sides in the hat for Round Five, Leeds Rhinos were imperious against Warrington’s . side , with the Hull Championship high flyers Halifax, Leigh Huddersfield Giants, romping home 48-16. Chris Chester’s Hull Kingston Rovers side outfi t just scraping through 14-12. Centurions, Sheffield Eagles and Bradford Catalans Dragons, who finished sprang another Challenge Cup shock when Four ties were postponed due to Bulls looked to spring some classic cup the game with 12 men, overcame they beat Warrington Wolves 26-18 in the bad weather and were played in early upsets. Championship battlers Featherstone other semi-final at .

18 19 CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE 1 REVIEW REVIEW

Leigh Centurions once again fi nished top have the Championship Player of the Year London Broncos’ ambitions of bouncing ended years of frustration of the Kingstone Press Championship in stand-off . back into Super League were hit when by fi nally earning promotion to the having lost just one game in the 2015 Sheffi eld Eagles fi nished a highly coach Joey Grima quit the club at the Championship. Under Coach of the Year campaign to London Broncos. They promising campaign in third place and start of the season and headed back to , they headed the table for also had a terrifi c run in the Ladbrokes notched up two wins in The Qualifi ers, Australia. Assistant Andrew Henderson much of the season, fi nishing the regular Challenge Cup beating two Super League which included a victory over Wakefi eld took over and they notched up some campaign with a thumping 76-12 win at clubs, Salford Red Devils and Wakefi eld Trinity Wildcats. They announced their notable wins during the season. They Oxford. They then beat Keighley Cougars Trinity Wildcats, before Warrington Wolves intention to go full-time in 2016. thrashed Sheffi eld Eagles at Summer to clinch promotion and in Lewis Palfrey fi nally ended their progress in the quarter- Richard Marshall was voted Bash and infl icted on Leigh Centurions had the League 1 Player of the Year. fi nals with a hard-fought 34-24 victory. Championship Coach of the Year after their only league defeat, however, a Swinton Lions joined their near It all augured well for The Qualifi ers guiding Halifax to fourth place in his fi rst poor run at the end of the regular season neighbours Oldham in the Championship. OLDHAM CELEBRATE and the chance to win a place in Super year at the helm. They ended their season put paid to their hopes of making The They took the bold decision of ending THEIR PROMOTION AT THE League. And in their fi rst game things with an impressive win at Bradford to Qualifi ers. Their hopes of landing some their dual-registration partnership with CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS DINNER seemed to be going to plan when they fi nish sixth in The Qualifi ers. silverware were dashed when they Warrington Wolves and it paid off. led Challenge Cup fi nalists Hull Kingston Featherstone Rovers had a lost the Final to The Lions made the fi nal of the iPro Rovers 24-6 at half-time in their opening disappointing regular season and midway Featherstone Rovers. Sport Cup but were beaten by North Rochdale Hornets had a disappointing Oxford suffered some heavy defeats game. But they ended up losing the through the campaign replaced their Town had a miserable Wales Crusaders. However, a consistent campaign, their promotion ambitions during the course of the 2015 season match and only won one of the next six coach with . They start to the season but recovered to fi nish season, playing attractive rugby under dashed when they fi nished just one point but a dual-registration arrangement with games to fi nished bottom of the table. fi nished fi fth and had some consolation in in mid-table. Four wins over local rivals coach John Duffy, resulted in a third- shy of the top fi ve. Yet they had been Bradford Bulls helped them to pick up Bradford Bulls fi nished runners-up in winning the Championship Shield, a new Whitehaven lifted their spirits and the placed fi nish. They faced Keighley in contention right up to the fi nal game, seven wins, which included three in fi ve the Championship but a poor fi nish to competition for the clubs fi nishing outside signing of mercurial half-back Jarrod Cougars in the play-off fi nal and showed which only added to the frustration. Coach matches. the regular campaign, winning just one the top four. They beat London Broncos Sammut proved a bonus. tremendous grit and determination to hold Ian Talbot stepped down at the end of the Heavy defeats in their fi rst two fi xtures of their fi nal fi ve matches, didn’t look in the fi nal and Jordan Baldwinson was Batley Bulldogs were competitive for on for a 29-28 victory. season with Alan Kilshaw stepping into saw London Skolars part company with promising for The Qualifi ers. Indeed voted Young Player of the Year with much of the season and had the bonus Keighley Cougars may have been the role for 2016. their coach Joe Mbu. Former Skolars they were inconsistent, but wins over also nominated. point system not been abandoned, might favourites to win promotion but they also had high hopes stalwart Jermaine Coleman took over Leigh, Sheffi eld and Salford put them notched up some have fi nished higher in the table. Wily suffered a devastating blow midway of promotion but like Rochdale fi nished as player/coach and oversaw a steady in fi fth position to set up a meeting with impressive wins during their campaign coach John Kear almost worked his magic through the season when Danny Jones the season agonisingly one point short of upturn in the team’s performance. A Wakefi eld Trinity Wildcats in the fi rst-ever and their new reserve side won their in their Challenge Cup match against collapsed and died at London Skolars. making the play-offs. They could point to competitive performance against Keighley Million Pound Game. competition. But they weren’t able to Widnes Vikings which they ultimately lost Coach and his players had defeats by Keighley as crucial results in in front of over 1,000 fans in the annual They came agonisingly close to winning grab a top-four spot and missed out on a 26-22. much to contend with in the following their campaign. They lost to the Cougars Friday Night Lights fi xture at New River but ultimately fell short, however they did Championship Shield Final outing. Whitehaven were another side who had weeks but they rallied and just fell short of at home by two points in June and Stadium was followed by a win at an uphill battle from the start, with coach earning promotion. were defeated by one point at Keighley . The season ended with Steve Deakin resigning before a ball had had issues over in August. What made it all the more another encouraging performance at LEIGH been kicked. Assistant James Coyle ground and training facilities from the frustrating for coach Paul Crarey is that Rochdale which all boded well for 2016. stepped up and acquitted himself well, outset. They were forced to move around they beat the Cougars 38-22 in the Third Coventry Bears made a fl ying start CENTURIONS helping them to avoid relegation, although to both train and play matches but it is Round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. to life in League 1, winning two of their the four losses to were to the credit of coach James Ford and The re-named Newcastle Thunder opening three games. They only managed hard to swallow. his players that they remained focused. began the season full of promise and three more wins in their inaugural season Hunslet Hawks made a reasonable start Eventually, the situation was resolved under coach seemed to be but there was much for coach Tom Tsang to the season, which suggested they could and they fi nished the season in fourth. fulfi lling that promise in their early games. to be proud of. They excelled off the fi eld avoid relegation, but when injuries hit It looked like they would have a shot at By mid-June they were in third place but and their year culminated with the club hard they found themselves struggling at promotion when they led Swinton Lions a disastrous second half of the season winning the League 1 Project of the Year the wrong end of the table and even their with just seconds remaining of their play- saw them slump to eighth. At least they award. dual-registration deal with Leeds Rhinos off match. But Swinton levelled and then had the consolation of terrifi c crowds with After a good 2014 campaign, Hemel couldn’t save them. won in golden-point extra-time. But there an average home attendance of just under Stags had a disappointing 2015 fi nishing The uncertain nature of the coaching were many positives to take into 2016. 1,000. Australian Mick Mantelli came in to second from bottom. The high turnover world was illustrated at Doncaster. Paul picked up their replace Gene as coach. of players, they used 49 over the course Cooke won the 2014 Coach of the Year fi rst piece of silverware when they lifted University of All of the season, didn’t help coach Troy award for taking the club into the top four. the iPro Sport Cup at Blackpool following Golds made progress under coach Lee Perkins. South Wales Scorpions had But by mid-July they hadn’t notched up their victory over Swinton Lions. It was Greenwood, becoming the fi rst southern- another challenging season winning just a single win and Cooke was on his way a major achievement for new coach based team to beat a northern side when one game, but coach Mike Grady deserves out of the club. New coach Gary Thornton Anthony Murray and despite a crippling they defeated Newcastle Thunder 26-10. credit for looking to fi eld teams made up couldn’t avoid the inevitable drop down injury list they went on to make the play- The All Golds fi nished on a high with three of predominantly local players, before Phil into League 1. offs, eventually falling to Keighley. wins from their fi nal fi ve fi xtures. Calerton took up the reins for 2016.

20 21 HONOURS BOARD The outstanding performers of 2015…

in defence and always a real threat in attack, he was a crucial member of the treble-winning Leeds Rhinos side in LEWIS PALFREY 2015, and featured in all four England internationals at the end of the season. He became the fi rst Leeds player to LEAGUE 1 PLAYER win the Man of Steel award since Iestyn OF THE YEAR Harris in 1998. DANNY McGUIRE Utility back Lewis Palfrey scooped the award for an outstanding season with SUPER LEAGUE COACH Oldham and was a key player in their Wigan had stunned the Rhinos by successful drive for promotion. The former OF THE YEAR taking the lead after just four minutes reserve team captain at Salford had spells There could be no other possible choice but McGuire got his side back on terms with Whitehaven and Batley Bulldogs than Leeds boss Brian McDermott. A clean with a perfectly-timed run onto Kevin before signing with Oldham for the 2013 sweep of all three domestic trophies, and Sinfi eld’s grubber to the line. season. Coach Scott Naylor knew him in achieved in some style, guaranteed the He struck again just before half-time, his Salford days and his faith in signing former Bradford and Great Britain prop the beginning a slick move on the halfway Palfrey has paid dividends. ultimate coaching award. line with a long ball out to Tom Briscoe. He began his coaching career in 2003 He then sent racing to ZAK HARDAKER as assistant with Huddersfi eld Giants TOM BRISCOE the line but when the centre was hauled LEAGUE 1 COACH and took on his fi rst head coach role with down just short, McGuire was crucially OF THE YEAR Harlequins RL in 2006. on hand to fi nish off the move he had After years of coming so close to In 2010, he joined Leeds Rhinos LANCE TODD TROPHY started. promotion, Oldham fi nally achieved their and, over the next fi ve seasons, guided Wigan dominated the second-half and Leeds Rhinos winger Tom Briscoe was a ambition of a place in the Championship. MAN OF STEEL them to three Super League titles, two were leading 20-16 going into the fi nal shoe-in for the Lance Todd Trophy after Coach Scott Naylor may not have had Zak Hardaker capped a remarkable Challenge Cups and a World Club crown. quarter, but McGuire was the architect of becoming the fi rst player to score fi ve tries the same budget as some of his rivals but 2015 by taking Rugby League’s highest He is now the most successful coach in a try which won the game for the Rhinos. in a Challenge Cup fi nal. He succeeded he put his faith in a squad which included individual award. the club’s 146-year history. A perfectly-judged high kick to the corner another Leeds wing, Ryan Hall, who had a raft of young players. Naylor was also It’s been quite a journey for the Leeds His teams are invariably a blend was knocked back to , who earned the honour the previous year. innovative in some of the tactics he and England full-back. His career of home grown talent, seasoned fed Jimmy Keinhorst and he put Josh LEE GASKELL Briscoe, who is quick and deceptively employed. began with local community club campaigners and shrewd overseas Walters over for the winning score. strong in the tackle, scored the fi rst of his The side were rarely outside the top two Knottingley Rockware, before a switch to recruits. Getting the players to peak at tries midway through the game against and claimed the League Leaders’ trophy, Featherstone Lions, ahead of moving into the right time in the various domestic CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER Hull Kingston Rovers with a short dart fi nishing their campaign with a victory the professional ranks with Featherstone competitions is a challenge, but one to the line following an initial burst from OF THE YEAR over Keighley Cougars in the promotion Rovers in 2010. which McDermott rose to admirably in Ryan Hall. Early in the second-half, he Bradford Bulls may have been frustrated play-off. 2015. Hardaker scored a hat-trick on his plucked a high kick out of the air before at missing out on promotion back professional debut and went on to be touching down, then with just 14 minutes into Super League but they had the named Championship Young Player of remaining he raced in for a hat-trick, Championship’s best player in Lee the Year. squeezing over in the fi nal minute to break Gaskell. The former St Helens stand- He signed for Leeds Rhinos in October the record. Briscoe was quick to credit off was a constant threat to opposition 2010 and initially played at centre but, centre Kallum Watkins and the rest of his defences with his handling skills, eye for due to an injury to , moved to team-mates for his fi ve-try haul. the gap and superb kicking game. full-back. After just his second full season with the Rhinos, Hardaker was already a two-time Grand Final winner and was HARRY SUNDERLAND CHAMPIONSHIP COACH named Super League Young Player TROPHY OF THE YEAR of the Year in 2012, going on to gain Leeds Rhinos not only claimed all three Halifax rounded off a hugely impressive England honours. domestic trophies but they scooped all campaign by beating Bradford at Now fi rmly established in the full- three individual player awards with Danny Osdal which earned them entry to The back role, he was named in the Super McGuire being voted Man of the Match Qualifi ers. Richard Marshall duly earned League Dream Team for the fi rst time at in their Grand Final victory over Wigan RICHARD the plaudits in his fi rst year as head the end of the 2014 season. Outstanding BRIAN MCDERMOTT Warriors at Old Trafford. MARSHALL coach at . SCOTT NAYLOR

22 23 SUPER LEAGUE RFL EVENTS GRAND FINAL DEPARTMENT REVIEW 2015 was a year of firsts for Rugby League…

The year kicked off with the inaugural 2015 saw the first ever Summer This set the stage for some spectacular World Club Series which saw three Bash which was staged in Blackpool. action over the two days, with more than of the top Super League clubs taking The popular seaside resort saw all 12 15,000 fans attending. on their NRL rivals. A total of 51,902 Kingstone Press Championship clubs The Magic Weekend registered another fans attended the three games, which taking part in a round of matches at the first with a new venue. After three years included a capacity crowd at Langtree home of Blackpool FC. at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, the Park as St Helens took on South Sydney Kicking off proceedings was the iPro event broke new ground by moving to St Rabbitohs. Sport Cup Final, the climax to a new James’ Park, home of Newcastle United Among the crowd was film star Russell knock-out competition featuring all the FC, which proved to be a spectacular Crowe who saw the Rabbitohs take the Kingstone Press League 1 clubs plus success. The stadium, situated in the World Club Championship crown with two top community sides. North Wales heart of the vibrant city of Newcastle, a convincing victory. Crowe’s presence Crusaders were the inaugural winners proved a real winner with fans. A total undoubtedly raised the profile of the after a tough 14-6 win over Swinton of 67,788 fans made the journey to the event and Rugby League in this country. Lions. North East, a record for Magic Weekend

with the Saturday attendance of 40,871 Leeds Rhinos taking the League Leaders’ also being a record for the fi rst day of the Shield in a dramatic fi nale. It took a last- competition. gasp try by Ryan Hall for them to beat In May, the world of Rugby League Huddersfi eld Giants in their fi nal Super was shocked by the death of Wales and 8s fi xture. Keighley Cougars player Danny Jones. Wakefi eld Trinity Wildcats beat The 29-year-old suffered a cardiac Bradford Bulls in the Million Pound arrest after leaving the pitch during the Game to secure their top-fl ight status. Cougars’ game against London Skolars at Rhinos went on to win an historic the New River Stadium in north London. treble at Old Trafford in a nail-biting At the Ladbroke’s Challenge Cup fi nal Grand Final, which was sold out for the in August his widow Lizzie Jones gave very fi rst time. The Charlatans were the an emotional rendition of ‘Abide With highlight of the pre-match entertainment. Me’ to a crowd of 80,140. As well as performing some of their most The new league structure delivered recognised songs, the four-piece band an exciting climax to the season with played some tracks from their latest studio album. The traditional hymn ‘Jerusalem’ was performed by one of England’s fi nest sopranos, Laura Wright. The England international series against New Zealand rounded off the domestic calendar, which included a fi rst ever Rugby League game played at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

CHALLENGE CUP RUSSELL CROWE FINAL 2015

24 25 COMMERCIAL REVIEW Commercial revenue across Super League and the RFL grew for the second year running…

First Utility’s relationship with Super relationship, by stepping up into Super brands on digital communication and League Europe (SLE) brought extra League. This was in addition to the 60+ interaction, fan engagement, as well as exposure to one of the most exciting clubs and the relationships they have the more traditional brand awareness chases in built with stadiums during their tenure. benefi ts. recent years. Our fans again played their part in We continue to learn and invest in that Ladbrokes’ fi rst year sponsoring the engaging with sponsors and commercial area, to be able to commercialise new Challenge Cup was a raging success, partners alike, nowhere more so than the opportunities. culminating in a fantastic day at FanZone at St James’ Park for Magic The commercial team continues to Wembley as the RFL celebrated its 120th Weekend, breaking previous records on strive to improve relationships with birthday. attendances. stakeholders across the sport, as well The World Club Series was a The international series delivered as continuing to build a reputation as commercial success for all three against its commercial objectives, again a rights holder for setting standards BRIAN MCDERMOTT competing UK clubs as well as SLE, with the existing family of partners in the level of service it provides to its with AFEX, First Utility and Specsavers choosing to extend their activity and commercial partners. AND stepping up their involvement in the investment into international Rugby 2016 brings a new set of challenges, LEAD OUT THE 2015 tournament. League. including the hosting of the Four Nations; Kingstone Press extended their The market continues to change, with opportunities we feel well placed to GRAND FINALISTS Championship, League 1 and England more and more emphasis placed by maximise.

FANZONE: MAGIC WEEKEND

NEW PARTNER: ISUZU

26 27 HIGHER FURTHER EDUCATION EDUCATION Continuing to promote university Rugby League… Re-shaping Rugby League’s offer…

RUGBY LEAGUE NINES A PIVOTAL YEAR… Academy programme. The Category 3 be great to see some of these players Academy model is based on a service later in their careers, whether that is in AND GROWTH THE 2015 UNIVERSITY It was a pivotal year for Colleges Rugby level agreement between a college and the community game, university Rugby Rugby League Nines was piloted for REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS League as we continued to work with the a professional Rugby League club. The League or the professional game.” another year as the proposal, which Association of Colleges (AOC) and Sport rationale behind Category 3 Academies went to BUCS, was not eligible for England to re-shape Rugby League’s is to ensure that players in the college REPRESENTATIVE voting after the idea was presented to offer to the sector. Through this work we game can experience a high quality the Competitions Group. This meant have seen more colleges engage with environment and enable players who The Regional Championships took that it would be the 2015-16 season that Rugby League. want to, to pursue an academic pathway place in May at Sheffi eld Hallam Sports the paper would be able to be voted There have been some signifi cant alongside their Rugby League. Park where fi ve regions, North West on. Through the presentation process, changes in the college’s sport sector and and , Yorkshire, North East, important feedback was received from the RFL is working with key national COMPETITION South East, Midlands and South West BUCS staff alongside the Regional partners to ensure the Rugby League competed in a one-day competition. Competition Group members. offer is fi t for purpose and is developed The National College Final saw Bishop Yorkshire were crowned champions in a A close relationship with key around the needs of the participants Burton from Beverley claim the trophy close fi nal against the North West. stakeholders was maintained to ensure within the sector. after beating New College, , at The re-named English College the project and concept was able to Featherstone Rovers. Lionhearts toured the Czech Republic in move forward. CATEGORY 3 ACADEMIES , FE and HE Manager, May 2015 for a four-day tour. said: “The fi nal was a great spectacle, The squad team, who are made up of prioritised Rugby League Nines and a REPRESENTATIVE We have worked in partnership with the it was a really tough, fast and skilful the best players in the College Rugby BUCS SPORTS ADVISORY comprehensive review of the league Performance Department at the RFL to game. It shows that there is a lot of League competition, played against the structures in their fi rst year. England Universities were crowned the research and develop the Category 3 GROUP (SAG) 2015 Four Nations Champions after talent in the college game and it will Czech national side. 2015 saw the introduction of a Sports COMPETITION beating Wales 42-26 in the fi nal of the Advisory Group. The Sports Advisory competition, which was hosted at Bray BISHOP BURTON FROM BEVERLEY WERE CROWNED COLLEGE group acts as another vehicle to promote Leeds Beckett dominated the BUCS Wanderers, Bray, Ireland. Rugby League within the HE sector and Premier North League and won their 2015’s representative programme KINGS AFTER BEATING NEW COLLEGE, PONTEFRACT gives Rugby League another voice into tenth consecutive Championship Final kicked off with the Regional BUCS. at BUCS Big Wednesday, held at Championships held in Nottingham in The SAG is a cross section of people Loughborough University in March 2015. mid-February. This sees the best 20 within the HE Sector. The chair is Steve Leeds Beckett defeated Northumbria players from the university game from Curtis from the , there in the Championship Final in a very the six regions (North East, North West, is also a representative from each competitive game. The University of Yorkshire, Midlands, South East and tier of the BUCS competition, and a Leeds made it a good year for the city South West) play in a one-day event BUCS relationship manager alongside by winning the Trophy Final and gaining as part of the selection process for the the HE lead from the RFL. The SAG promotion to Premier North. England Universities squad. The fi nal saw Yorkshire defeat the North West 6-4 to be crowned regional champions for the second consecutive year. Adam Hughes, HE Manager at the RFL, said: “The representative programme was pivotal once again in the selection of the successful England Universities team. There will be a full review of the representative programme carried out for the 2015-16 academic year with recommendations to see the players in longer games. The England Universities team showed commitment and a great desire to win UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONS the Four Nations and were deserved LEEDS BECKETT winners.”

28 29 MAIN: GLANTAF RECEIVING THE TROPHY RIGHT: MAN OF THE MATCH SCHOOLS CIA MARCUS OF GLANTAF Y7 The national competition continues to spread far and wide…

The 2014-15 competition climaxed in a great weekend of action at the Champion Schools Finals, which took place in glorious sunshine at Richmond and Wembley. The headline makers were Glantaf Year 7 Boys, who became the fi rst Welsh school to win at Wembley, comprehensively outplaying Wade Deacon from Widnes in their 40-6 victory. The Welsh boys were outstanding with the strong running Cia Marcus taking the Man of the Match award. Iwan Jones SIRIUS YEAR 10 BOYS scored one of the best tries ever seen at Wembley in the traditional curtain-raiser. Castleford eventually running out In the Year 8 Girls fi nal Castleford “The RFL Education Offi cers work The right wing gained possession deep in 36-22 winners. Swansea’s Ysgol Gyfun Academy did make it two from two for tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure his own half and set off on a mesmerising Ystalyfera couldn’t make it a double for the Yorkshire school when they beat young people have great experiences run which ended under the posts. the Welsh schools in the Year 8 Boys Deanery High School 36-16. when they take part in Rugby In the Year 7 Girls fi nal Castleford Final. They were outplayed by a strong Both Year 9 games proved to be League and they are invaluable to Academy played St Peter’s from St Peter’s Catholic High School from closely-fought contests. The Boys the whole competition. Relationships Manchester in a terrifi c match with Wigan, who won 46-0. fi nal was an all-Yorkshire clash, with are established and maintained with Brooksbank from Calderdale beating schools and local leads to ensure that Castleford Academy 26-18. In the Girls the transition through the stages of the fi nal Manchester’s St Peter’s RC High competition are seamless.” School took on Sirius Academy from Hull The Champion School Finals are and won a pulsating match 40-30. an opportunity to recognise work and However, the match of the day turned commitment of the dedicated army of GLANTAF Y7 BOYS out to be the Year 10 Girls fi nal between volunteers who support the competition Astley High School and Castleford and Schools Rugby League. As part of Academy. Astley, the fi rst school from the Reward and Recognition programme, during the Champions Schools Finals. Referees under the age of 18 the North East to reach a fi nal, went on the Champion Schools Coordinators, Categories included in these regional from every region offi ciated in both to take the trophy with a 28-26 victory in who oversee the local stages of the awards are School of the Year, Teacher the regional and national rounds a thrilling contest. competition, are invited to Richmond to of the Year, Outstanding Contribution of the competition, alongside their The fi nal match was a Hull derby join in the celebration of Schools Rugby to Schools Rugby League and Match commitments to the community game CASTLEFORD ACADEMY YEAR 8 GIRLS between the Year 10 Boys of Sirius League. Offi cial of the Year. at weekends, all with the aim of being Academy and South Holderness College. The English Schools Rugby League 2015 was another strong year for one of the few selected to offi ciate at It proved to be a fi ery contest but Sirius award winners are also recognised in offi cials and the Champion Schools Wembley. were in control from start to fi nish. After an awards ceremony on the main pitch competition continued to play an The National Finals saw a squad of 2014-15 RESULTS a strong fi rst-half performance they led important role for the junior offi cials. eight of the country’s most talented Year 7 Girls St Peter’s RC High School 32-36 Castleford Academy 16-0 and eventually went on to win young offi cials head to the capital and 25-10. ultimately Wembley. They took charge Year 7 Boys Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf 40-6 Wade Deacon High School ST PETER’S Y9 GIRLS National Education Manager, Ebony of all eight matches over the course of Year 8 Girls Deanery High School 16-36 Castleford Academy Gilbin, said: “Champion Schools the fi nals weekend, and were superb in the various roles, from refereeing to Year 8 Boys St Peter’s Catholic High School 46-0 Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera continues to be the pinnacle of the Schools Rugby League competition. The touch judging and in-goal offi ciating. Year 9 Girls Sirius Academy 30-40 St Peter’s RC High School standard of play and the commitment of Each offi cial took to the pitch at Wembley for the Boys Year 7 fi nal. Year 9 Boys Castleford Academy 18-26 Brooksbank School players, teachers and parents is second to none and without the support of Offi cials who have all featured in the Year 10 Girls Astley High School 28-26 Castleford Academy these key people the programme would Wembley curtain-raiser in recent years have gone on to referee at the highest Year 10 Boys South Holderness College 10-25 Sirius Academy not continue to build from strength to strength. level.

30 31 RUGBY LEAGUE CARES REVIEW Connecting with more members of the Rugby League family than ever before…

Rugby League Cares is the umbrella charity supporting all charitable activities in Rugby League and 2015 was a busy, eventful and important year for the organisation which connected to, and engaged with, more members of the Rugby League family than ever before. The work of the charity gained a very high profi le following the tragic loss of Danny Jones, who passed away HERITAGE playing for Keighley Cougars at London EXHIBITION Skolars in May. Danny’s death saw the sport come together like never before and through Developed the Good Governance The charity also supported the and whether the player is full-time or the campaigning work undertaken by framework in line with the Sky Try grassroots via the Community Game part-time. Over 250 players have been Danny’s wife, Lizzie, supported by RL programme. Raffl e. In 2015, 41,000 tickets were supported by this fund to date. sold with £28,700 generated for The charity also provide Hardship Cares and the RFL Benevolent Fund, Visited all Foundations as part of community clubs. The raffl e also raised Grants, or occasionally loans to players positive changes were effected across the Sky Try programme to review £12,300 (minus servicing costs of struggling fi nancially either through the sport. their Governance and advise on £5,000) for RL Cares. hardship or illness following their Danny died from an undiagnosed improvements where needed. heart condition which would have The Welfare and Education retirement from the sport. been picked up had he undergone Supported new Foundations, Programme continued to make a The Rugby League Cares Reunions cardiac screening, a process which assisting and advising clubs with positive difference to the lives of current programme, established to bring was mandatory for all players in Super their plans. and former players throughout the year. together former players for social League. RL Cares runs a dedicated Education functions, reunions and reminiscence Following the RL Cares campaign, In addition Rugby League Cares seeks Fund which is used to aid players’ events, enjoyed another successful year the Championship and League 1 clubs to attract support for centrally funded transition to a new career following by re-engaging many players who have unanimously agreed to mandatory projects including: Rugby League. Players can apply for drifted away from the sport. grant aid to help motivate and cover The Heritage Programme acts screening for the sport’s second and - Mental Health project. third-tier competitions, and many the costs of training for a new career as a central hub to the game and clubs within the community game are 16-19 Education Programme, which during their time in the sport. Grants provides opportunities to celebrate and expected to follow suit. was taken over by Rugby League are means tested against earnings participate in the sport’s history and Learning in the year. Since RL Cares was formed in 2013, the The ‘Join the Momentum’ dance charity has supported professional club project. NATIONAL RL Foundations in the following ways: MUSEUM VISUAL Cultural partnership programme Convening regular meetings of involving 15 Foundations in arts and the professional clubs’ charities, heritage activities. the Foundations, each year. This includes three general meetings Rugby League Cares awarded 53 small plus an additional two Sky Try grants in 2015 to support the start-up meetings during the year. of Under-7s community teams via the Helping to assist Foundations Community Game Grants Programme. monitor and improve their Each project was awarded £500 to LIZZIE JONES, WHOSE CAMPAIGNING Governance structures and assist in the creation of a junior Rugby operations to include jointly paid-for League team. WORK WAS SUPPORTED BY RL legal advice to the chairs and senior Clubs generally invest the grant into CARES AND THE RFL BENEVOLENT FUND managers of the Foundations. coaching awards, kits and equipment.

32 33 PLAY TOUCH RUGBY LEAGUE Embedding as Rugby League’s summer social offer...

Play Touch Rugby League (PTRL) is a licensed participation product now into the third year of delivery. The programme in 2015 embedded itself as Rugby League’s summer social offer across England. In 2014, 50 licensed sites operated successful and profi table programmes. This increased to 54 in 2015 with the majority experiencing growth in participants and profi t. Due to the success and popularity of the programme, 95 per cent of licensees A NUMBER OF INTERVENTIONS IN 2015 signed up for 2015. Mike Horrocks, from Orrell St James, said: “We’ve just HAVE ENHANCED THE PROGRAMME fi nished our second year of running a PTRL licence and we can defi nitely see company supplying licensed sites with from the stands or on TV. The campaign a step up from year one, especially in resources used to help manage data and was a great success and had a positive enhance the social media experience, impact on participants at sites. traditions. This work has evolved into Administrative assistance was sport’s partnership with State of Mind. A regards to marketing and general support including the very popular “selfi e stick” To support the #HIITThePitch plans which support the creation of a given by RL Cares, in particular to The decision is expected mid-2016. and feel across the country. It’s really to help capture the Fun, Fitness & Friends campaign we ran a number of roadshows, Museum. President’s Ball. Equally the Benevolent Rugby League Cares worked easy and straightforward; with all the elements which is engrained in the PTRL where we went directly to the fans and In 2015 the Heritage on Tour project Fund assisted RL Cares with heritage alongside Prostate Cancer UK support and resources you get from the experience. ex-players to encourage them to take was concluded after 42,000 people and welfare issues. throughout 2015 to joint fundraise RFL it’s hard to go wrong and it’s a great To start the summer season we up this exciting non-contact sport. This attended the travelling exhibition. On occasion the Rugby League and raise awareness of the disease way to expand your provision of the launched the new #HIITThePitch culminated in a big presence at Summer Plans for a National Rugby League charities lead on partnerships with other and the help available. Through these community club, with a greater reach and campaign to encourage more people to Bash and Magic Weekend where we Museum were progressed and to date charities which benefi t the whole game. actions, the charities both protected and connection with the local community.” take up this great sport. It targets those signed up 1,500 people and sold bespoke four local authorities are expressing Signifi cant funding and support was enhanced the Rugby League Family There have been a number of players who are coming to the end of merchandise and limited-edition Summer their desire to be the home of this provided to State of Mind. Work was along with the sport’s reputation in additional interventions in 2015 which their contact playing careers and fans Bash and Magic Weekend balls. prestigious facility: Leeds, Bradford, started on a joint application to the Big 2015 and increased the wider profi le have enhanced the programme, including who have been inspired to take up the To celebrate Magic Weekend and Wigan and Salford. Lottery Fund to enhance and extend the and recognition of the game. a great partnership with Alcatel One sport by watching their favourite players The Heritage Lottery Fund have also Touch. This has seen the technology the start of the summer we ran our fi rst indicated their support at the highest national PTRL competition on the pitch levels from the Chair of the fund to at St James’ Park. Six teams entered, Regional Directors. including a number of Super League Rugby League Cares also supported referees. The two fi nalists competed for a new cultural partnership programme, the prize during half-time of the Hull funded by the Arts Council in derby, which was played in front of partnership with the Dance Programme 30,000 people. As part of the rewards and 15 Foundations. programme, the team also arranged a The RFL Benevolent Fund continues half-time event at the England v New to raise approximately £250,000 per Zealand international at Olympic Park in annum in its own right and in 2015 paid London. out approximately £150,000 to more 2015 also saw PTRL launch our than 40 recipients. It also delivered and NVQ programme, which aims to upskill administered the raising of funds for licensed staff, giving volunteers a specifi c causes through its ‘Just Giving’ structured learning programme which pages: for example, over £280,000 will give them real life experiences. This was raised for Lizzie Jones and her will improve and grow the volunteer work family and over £20,000 in restricted THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE force while helping keep volunteers along funds for other specifi c individuals. COMMUNITY GRANTS IN PARTICIPANTS AND PROFITS the sports development path.

34 35 CONCUSSION CARDIAC MANAGEMENT SCREENING Updating the protocol… Extended to Championship and League 1…

In 2015 the protocol on concussion was Following the death of the Keighley with their players,” said Lizzie, who was also updated. Players suffering a suspected Cougars and Wales half-back Danny given a standing ovation by delegates. concussion during a game now have to Jones, it was agreed that compulsory “Anything the game can do to minimise undergo a proper assessment off the fi eld, cardiac screening will be rolled out across the chance of another family experiencing with a free interchange allowed. If the all three tiers of professional Rugby what we have gone through has to be player doesn’t return after 15 minutes League in 2016. welcomed. then the interchange becomes permanent. Screening has been mandatory for all “I would also like to say a big ‘thank DANNY JONES Specifi c Return To Play (RTP) guidelines players in Super League since 2012 and you’ to everyone involved in Rugby were also introduced. will be extended into the Kingstone Press League for the support they have given to “This has provided an increased level “Education of all stakeholder groups Championship and League 1 from 2016. me, my twins and my family. We couldn’t of confi dence and reassurance that from broadcasters to fans to club CEOs has Details of the plan were outlined at the have got through this without you all. The those playing professionally are not been the mainstay of this strategy,” said RFL’s annual meeting in Leigh which was support of the Rugby League family has unknowingly exposing themselves to Dr Chris Brookes, who provides medical attended by Lizzie Jones, whose husband given us the strength to rebuild our lives signifi cant risk. This initiative has been care to the England team. “Consequently, collapsed and died from heart failure without Danny.” complemented by the fantastic and it has now become accepted that reliable triggered by an undetected heart defect Dr Chris Brookes, who provides medical inspirational work of Lizzie Jones in concussion management is essential for while playing for the Cougars against care to the England team, said: “Following raising funds to ensure defi brillators are player welfare. Players being removed London Skolars in May. the tragic death of Danny Jones the available for all Rugby League clubs. from the fi eld for a concussion assessment “I would like to congratulate all the decision was made to extend the cardiac “It will be a fi tting legacy to Danny and is now common place within the game. Championship and League 1 clubs on their screening programme for players to ensure provision of this vital, life-saving “It is encouraging that the players decision to conduct cardiac screening professionals at all levels of the game. equipment in a medical emergency.” themselves are becoming much more aware, both of the potential dangers of concussion and also the protocols designed DR CHRIS to protect their long-term health. This is complimented by the RFL programmes BROOKES of Continuing Professional Development (RIGHT) for the game’s medical staff and the injury audit which has been conducted over the last three seasons by the RFL academic partners at the University of Bolton. “This ground-breaking study is providing ALL PLAYERS NOW HAVE AN valuable evidence to focus programmes of injury prevention and rehabilitation OFF-FIELD ASSESSMENT IF and increasing the knowledge base of the SUSPECTED OF CONCUSSION factors which may result in or exacerbate player injury.”

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR PLAYER WELFARE

36 37 PLAYER GOOD RELATIONSHIPS HAVE BEEN BUILT WELFARE UP WITH TRAINING AND EDUCATION Considerable improvements during 2015… PROVIDERS

The Player Welfare Policy has now been There has been a considerable the year, the Forum has been concerned in place for four years and for two of improvement over the last 12 months, at the low level of achievement and/ MENTAL HEALTH AND those years each club has been required both in the number of clubs now fully or compliance by some clubs, however to have a three-day-a-week Player applying the policy and in the change it appears that most, if not all, have WELL BEING Welfare Manager. in culture, which has led to players now started to make signifi cant strides, Sporting Chance’s services remain engaging with what is on offer. although some are starting from a low fundamental to the success of the Player It is clear that when there is strong base. Welfare Policy with the game being CHRIS HILL leadership and buy-in at senior level in a highly dependent on its provision. In club, including CEO and head coach, so PLAYER WELFARE addition to the regular services, Sporting the policy can deliver. The challenge now Chance was also a key part of the game’s is for all clubs to operate at the levels of MANAGERS response to the tragic deaths of Danny those consistently high achieving ones. All clubs now have a Player Welfare Jones and Chris Leatherbarrow. In December the Government Strategy Manager (PWM) in place. During 2015 MEETINGS AND All clubs should be ensuring that their Sporting Chance is now providing a for Sport was published and the section there was a high turnover of PWMs, with TRAINING PWM has three full days to deliver the personal supervision facility for PWMs on Duty of Care shows that the RFL eight new appointments, which includes Welfare Policy. All the feedback and to help them deal with the strain of Player Welfare Policy is very much in two clubs making two appointments The RFL continues to hold regular research outcomes suggest that even supporting others, a recommendation line with the direction of travel outlined in during the year. The majority of those meetings for PWMs to discuss issues, when the PWM has this amount of time from the University of Huddersfield the strategy. clubs have sought to make high quality share best practice, hear presentations available, it is still difficult to carry out research. appointments who, once in post, have from providers and roll out short training the full requirements of the role to a high PLAYER WELFARE AND made signifi cant progress. However, as programmes. level of performance. CAREER PLANNING a major part of the PWM role involves Training has included Mental Health Two PWMs (Andy Jordan of EDUCATION FORUM gaining the trust of the players and First Aid (for those not already with the Huddersfield Giants and John Keyes of The RFL Career Coaches have had the The Player Welfare and Education Forum a clear insight into their career and qualification), two master classes from London Broncos) should be recognised highest level of take up on career 1-2- has met quarterly, chaired by Mike Farrar, education needs, stability is important. the NRL (career engagement and Player for volunteering their services to support 1s to date, with 143 taking place with and has been invaluable in providing There are a signifi cant number of Welfare Software use), how to make best Keighley Cougars and London Skolars current full-time players during the a critical but constructive view on the recently retired players now in post as use of the RFL career coaches and an after the tragic death of Danny Jones in year. Each 1-2-1 results in a researched progress of Player Welfare Policy. During PWMs. awareness session on depression. 2015. Personal Development Plan (PDP) being

UNIVERSITY OF She went on to say: “These results suggest that the higher 86 players, 50 answered a question on the advantages of The key recommendations from the report from the first year of the psychological stress, and the more players identify with retirement, with 22 per cent stating that it enabled them to the research are that: RESEARCH the athlete role, the worse their mental health, whereas spend more time with their family and friends and an end to The PWM role exceeds the recommended three-day In 2014 the RFL commissioned a two-year research favourable attitudes towards Player Welfare Managers and physical pain. provision. programme into players and PWMs’ perception of Player the player welfare policy are associated with better mental But 55 players out of 86 answered a question on the The RFL needs to provide a personal supervision facility for Welfare. The research takes the form of a confi dential online health.” downsides of retirement. Twenty per cent admitted there PWMs who deal with many distressing and challenging questionnaire for players and a confi dential telephone The research found that those players at high risk of would be adjustment issues when retiring from the sport and circumstances. interview with PWMs. The research is seen by the RFL as an depression are more likely to anticipate problems with 18 per cent conceded there would be financial problems when Clubs and coaches need to recognise the importance of player important way for players to have their say about the player retiring. Those players who had a less positive attitude to they finished playing. welfare provision and be more supportive of the role of their welfare policy in a confi dential setting. The fi rst study was player welfare were more likely to have higher depression Eleven player welfare managers from the 15 full-time clubs PWM and their work within the club, in particular, this gives carried out in early 2015 and saw 103 players take part in an scores and higher stress levels. volunteered to be interviewed, saying that they felt their players “permission” to engage with the support available. online welfare survey, answering questions about the player The University of Huddersfi eld survey also probed the role was mainly as an advisor, mediator and facilitator. The The RFL needs to provide more centrally funded resources welfare provision at their club, combined with measures of issue of “athletic identity” and found an association between interviewees believed that while some clubs are organised that can be drawn down by clubs, particularly to provide athletic identity, stress and depression. athletic identity and depression scores, such that players and committed to player welfare, the delivery at others is support to the Under-19s. “Players’ mental health is better when their club has a who identify more as being solely a professional RFL player fragmented. All players need to be encouraged to develop a healthy, good Player Welfare Manager in place and have received have worse mental health. Players with high athletic identity “Some player welfare managers feel that the lack of multifaceted identity and, given the time and encouragement advice on counselling support available from Sporting scores tend to be younger, having played professional rugby support from their clubs and lack of acceptance from the to take up opportunities to plan for a future without rugby. Chance,” said Dr Alison Rodriguez, Senior Lecturer in for a shorter period of time, be single, and not have any coaching staff makes their role difficult and those coming There was a need for a stronger Transition intervention Psychology, referring to the clinic set up by soccer star Tony children. into the environment from the outside need to negotiate the programme with a focus on issues relevant to identity Adams and the Professional Footballers’ Association, mainly The survey also looked at how players thought they would ‘Rugby League culture’ to create an understanding of the adjustment, finances, physical and mental health and to deal with issues of addiction. cope with their retirement from the sport. From a sample of players,” said Dr Rodriguez. welfare.

38 39 produced for the player. The number of players who have previously failed to plan successfully for a career after Rugby League explains the number of recently retired players (43 in 2015) using the services of the career coaches. EDUCATION AND TRAINING Supporting the Rugby League family & its community Good relationships have been built up with training and education providers who are prepared to work around players’ training schedules. Rugby League Learning have proved a valuable partner THERE HAS BEEN THE HIGHEST LEVEL in sourcing training provision. There has OF TAKE UP ON CAREER 1-2-1s TO DATE yet again been signifi cant demand for Rugby League Cares grants. There continues to be an increased There were two Transition Meetings shares the vision of using the power of trend for clubs to make work experience this year, one aimed at senior players the sport and recreation sector to make Supporting the Rugby League family & its community for at least younger players compulsory, and one at the younger players, which our activities welcoming, positive and Grants Welfare which is to be applauded. Consideration clubs had to place in their training inclusive for everyone. should also be given to providing career schedule. Despite this, out of the The Mental Health Charter for Sport relevant work experience for older potential attendance of around 50 and Recreation sets out how sport can players who often have no experience of players only 18 attended over two days. use its collective power to tackle mental the “normal” workplace environment. However, it was clear that where senior ill health and the stigma that surrounds management and head coaches bought it by taking positive steps to address TRANSITION into the concept, players attended and and encourage people to be open about their feedback was very positive. mental health issues. Improving the provision around transition remains a key challenge for 2016. There The Charter outlines fi ve actions the Benevolent are still a signifi cant number of players MENTAL HEALTH Grants Welfare sport can take to help make mental who leave the full-time game without Heritage Fund CHARTER FOR SPORT health a commonly understood matter the ability to earn a living other than in AND RECREATION and to help those in need. The RFL has casual employment. agreed to: Four years after the introduction of The RFL was one of the founding Enhancing and enriching people’s lives through the power and positive the Player Welfare Policy this suggests members and initial signatories of the Use the power of sport and recreation influence of Rugby League. that the policy has failed to provide the Mental Health Charter for Sport and to promote wellbeing, with a special necessary support for many players Recreation, created by the Sport and focus on encouraging physical and there needs to be signifi cantly more Recreation Alliance and Professional activity and social interaction for their Please show your support and become a member today focus on preparing players for transition Players Federation, with support from contribution to good mental health. for £20 per annum or £2 per monthBenevolent and receive your after their careers. the mental health charity Mind. The RFL Publicly promote and adopt good Heritageexclusive member gift! Fund mental health policies and best practice within our sports and For more information or to sign up visit: IMPROVING THE PROVISION recreational activities. Enhancing and enriching people’s lives through the power and positive influencewww.rugbyleaguecares.org of Rugby League. AROUND TRANSITION REMAINS A Promote positive public health KEY CHALLENGE FOR 2016 messages using diverse role models and ambassadors to reduce the stigma attached to mental health Please show your support and become a member today problems. for £20 per annum or £2 per month and receive your Actively tackle discrimination on the exclusive member gift! grounds of mental health to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity For more information or to sign up visit: and respect. www.rugbyleaguecares.org Support the establishment of a pan- sport platform to work closely with the mental health sector to develop and share networks, resources and www.rugbyleaguecares.org best practice. Regularly monitor our performance, assess progress and take positive action on mental health issues.

40 HALL OF FAME SAFEGUARDING Edwards and Goldthorpe inducted… A year of signifi cant progress…

Albert Goldthorpe and In January the RFL (Colette Eden and RFL SAFEGUARDING sport at Edge Hill to be 4* - the highest OBE became the latest members of the Karen Moorhouse) hosted a round table award possible. Dr Mike Hartill, Senior Rugby League Hall of Fame when they discussion at Quay West attended by other CONFERENCE Lecturer in Sociology of Sport at the were inducted into the sport’s exclusive NGB Safeguarding Lead Offi cers, the Child The annual Safeguarding Conference university, said: “This evaluation of the club in 2015. Protection in Sport Unit, representatives was held on Saturday, February 7 at work we have undertaken at Edge Hill Hunslet legend Goldthorpe and former from Local Safeguarding Children Boards Leigh Sports Village. There were 61 over the past decade is due, in no small Wigan and Great Britain star Edwards and Local Authority Designated Offi cers, delegates in attendance with workshops part, to the collaboration with the RFL. were both formally inducted into the together with some charities working and/or presentations on fi rst aid “In 2015 we published our latest Hall of Fame at a celebratory dinner, in ALBERT in this area. The day was to share best courses, concussion, the work of the report on safeguarding and child association with Rugby League Cares in GOLDTHORPE practice from the project including Safeguarding Case Management Group, protection in Rugby League. Colette Manchester. presentations by the RFL, the UK project meetings with parents and children, Eden has also supported a number of In a playing career spanning over 20 lead from Edgehill University and some the coach and their responsibilities, European projects on the prevention of years, Goldthorpe made his debut for The half-back, who represented Great of the young volunteers from the project. engaging and informing children and sexual exploitation and abuse in sport. The 25 members of the Rugby Hunslet at the age of 16 in 1888 before Britain 36 times, amassed over 450 There was also a discussion about future young people, safe recruitment and Colette has been especially involved in League Hall of Fame are as follows: retiring in 1910 having scored over 1,500 appearances for Wigan, registering 1,146 collaboration and partnership, in particular RFL/CWO communication. the Sport Respects Your Rights project points in 659 games. points before spells at London Broncos, through youth empowerment approaches. The feedback from the delegates was and over the course of two years she 1988 Inductees In the 1907-08 season, Goldthorpe Bradford Bulls and a brief spell in In February Colette Eden attended positive, with the majority of attendees shared her expertise of safeguarding led the Hunslet side that scooped all Australia with . the Final Sport Respects Your Rights fi nding all the sessions ‘extremely matters with many sport organisations, four domestic trophies that were on Goldthorpe and Edwards become the Conference at the House of the European useful’. Feedback confi rmed that having as well as many young athletes, from Billy Boston MBE offer at the time - the Yorkshire Cup, the 24th and 25th members of the Hall of Union in Vienna. Each country presented the conference before the start of the across Europe.” Alex Murphy OBE Yorkshire League Trophy, the Challenge Fame following Malcolm Reilly OBE and their work - what they did, numbers, season (rather than at the end) was Jonty Parkin Cup and the Championship Trophy. ’s inductions last year. poster designs etc. The RFL’s young more benefi cial. CHALLENGES FOR 2016 Gus Risman Like Goldthorpe, Edwards enjoyed a The Rugby League Hall of Fame was volunteers “one in fi ve” hand sign The key challenges are to improve trophy-laden career with his hometown established in 1988 to commemorate was adopted by all the countries and EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY environments in clubs and at matches; Jim Sullivan club Wigan - winning the Challenge Cup the greatest ever players in British formed the basis of the fi nal conference In 2015 the government’s national to communicate more effectively with for eight consecutive years as well as Rugby League. The inductions of Albert poster and displays. Each country took review of research excellence judged leagues and to ensure there is a trained three World Club Championships, eight Goldthorpe and Shaun Edwards takes ambassadors to the event with Terry 1989 Inductee research into safeguarding issues in CWO in each club. Championship titles and the Man of Steel the total number of players in the O’Connor being one of the two UK MBE award in 1990. Hall of Fame to 25. ambassadors. 2000 Inductees Vince Karalius CHILD PROTECTION Tom Van Vollenhoven SHAUN IN SPORT (CPSU) MBE EDWARDS OBE CONFERENCE 2005 Inductees In October the RFL took a major role Eric Ashton MBE in the CPSU Lead Offi cer conference Douglas Clark MM which was on the theme of Celebrating MBE Difference. Colette Eden presented the RFL’s community club training workshop 2013 Inductees “Tackling Racism in Sport” which has Lewis Jones been rolled out in community clubs Martin Offi ah MBE during 2015. Tara Jones, a young North Garry Schofi eld OBE West Match Offi cial, presented as part of the Young Women and Sexism in Sport debate. For the item on Empowering 2014 Inductees Sport to Include and Safeguard LGBT Willie Horne Young People, the CPSU commissioned Malcolm Reilly OBE an interview with Keegan Hirst on his 2015 Inductees experiences of sport as a young man and Albert Goldthorpe what his advice would be to clubs to help Shaun Edwards OBE young people in his circumstances and NORTH WEST MATCH also use RFL Tackle IT resources. OFFICIAL TARA JONES

42 43 RLEF REVIEW Another year of expansion plus historic fi rsts…

The last 12 months were busy in fi rst rights deal in its 80-year history. The RLEF was awarded a biggest- many different areas and once again The RLEF is committed to securing ever grant of €466.000 (part of a total demonstrated not only the increasing a long-term broadcast partner for a project value of €739.000) from the capability of the RLEF’s diverse European Championship that has a European Union’s Erasmus+ programme membership but also the capacity of fi xed slot in a broader RLIF competition and was one of only 22 projects the RLEF as a governing body. That calendar, enabling the Federation selected for funding from over 330 the Federation’s name is a misnomer to secure institutional sponsors and eligible applications. The ‘TEP’ involves is well documented, with the RLEF’s augment the scope of what is a strong 21 nations involved in six clusters of European territories joined by American, brand. between three and four nations over Caribbean, African and Middle Eastern At Board level, 2015 saw some three years, although the benefi ts and nations, and 2015 certainly ensured changes through fi ve plenary impact of the project will be felt in that the RLEF was active in its farthest Board Meetings and four further perpetuity, such is its potential for real outposts. sub-committee meetings. Richard change. The TEP will see the formation At the end of the year, the United Graham resigned after two terms as of the ‘RLEF Education’ department, States and Lebanon qualifi ed for an Independent Director following will increase the federation’s suite the 2017 his appointment as interim-CEO of of qualifi cations from four to 10 and following historic fi rsts, not just for the the English Commonwealth Games see them registered on the European RLEF but for the sport itself. Compared Association. His replacement is Sally Qualifi cations Framework, giving the to the previous tournament in 2013, Bolton who was the General Manager of courses supra-institutional legitimacy. the qualifying events administered by the superb 2013 Rugby League World The TEP is the heir to the ‘Leadership the RLEF increased from two to three, Cup, and her experience and skills will Devolution Project’, which was the with the Atlantic group replaced by be great assets to the RLEF. Next year RLEF’s fourth EU-backed project, and ‘Americas’ and the Middle East Africa will see another election held for the which concluded in June. The 18-month regional qualifi er introduced for the fi rst two Member-Elected Directorships. project, supported with €195,000 of RL IRELAND CHAIR DR MICK time, in an exciting signal of the sport’s This staggered change to personnel public funding, resulted in 31 technical burgeoning geographical ambitions. promotes stability, allows for continuity educators and 224 new Level 1 coaches MOLLOY HANDING OVER THE The USA and Lebanon represent while ensuring that, crucially, the and match offi cials achieving their EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP exciting opportunities for Rugby League membership’s voice is always heard. qualifi cation throughout the 17 partner TROPHY TO WALES CAPTAIN in two very different but quite lucrative The RLEF changed its offi cial countries. regional markets. They will be joined company address from Red Hall, Leeds, On the fi eld, 2015 was the RLEF’s CRAIG KOPCZAK by three more European nations at the to 20 Fitzroy Square, London, where busiest year, involving administration of end of 2016, at which time the 14-team it shares an offi ce with the Rugby three European Championship and two line-up for Australia and New Zealand League International Federation. The World Cup qualifi cation competitions, for four of those tournaments. He said: senior 13-a-side club games in 2013, Administration despite exchange rate will be known. latter continued to develop its own a total of 20 offi cial matches in three “Both the United States Association then 30 in 2014, it had 86 this year, in movements moving adversely. There Those qualifi ers capped a very busy organisation through the engagement continents. of Rugby League and Canada Rugby addition to 60 junior games. was confi rmation from HMRC that year of international Rugby League in of a fi rst ever chief executive offi cer in Danny Kazandjian, general manager League Association are relatively young After England, France and Wales the RLEF will no longer be subject to Europe itself, which saw Wales win the May, Dr David Collier MBE. of the RLEF, was Tournament Director but they are focusing on developing nowhere has seen more domestic corporation tax, however, increasing the 2015 European Championship, Serbia their club competitions and in Jamaica Rugby League played than Russia, Federation’s revenue is critical and the win European Championship B (2014- they have an excellent partner and which is fi tting for one of the RLEF’s best opportunity to do this is through 15) and, remarkably, continue MARTIN CRICK DELIVERING COACH example of good practice and organic original Full Members. Vice president the European Championship. It is its fairytale run towards World Cup growth. Edgard Taturyan, whose dedication to imperative that the RLEF agrees cyclical qualifi cation by an unexpected victory EDUCATION IN BUDAPEST The Jamaican Rugby League Rugby League has been exceptional, arrangements with a major broadcaster in European Championship C. Association now runs 10-round has now bowed out, handing the baton which will allow us to acquire major The Spaniards, who only joined the competitions at club and college level, to executive director Denis Korolev and sponsors. RLEF in 2013, defeated Latvia in a Euro which is a real milestone and for the his colleagues. Another enhanced aspect of the C pre-qualifi er before beating favourites second successive year recorded 100 Operational aspects of the RLEF’s Federation’s activities was its regulatory Malta and then Greece to secure the games of domestic 13-a-side Rugby work included the distribution of over role. The RLEF assumed total control title and progress into the fi nal stages of League.” 1,000 rugby balls to members of all disciplinary matters for matches the World Cup qualifi ers. In Europe itself, the most notable in 2015. and events not governed by their Signifi cantly, the European upsurge in activity came in Russia. Financially, revenues were similar own specifi c set of rules. This meant Championship was accompanied, for Since the Association of Rugby League to the previous period, at just over that the RLEF convened a number of the fi rst time, by a media rights sale Clubs (ARLK) took over from the half a million pounds despite a 15 per committees empanelled by volunteers negotiated by the RLEF. While the Russian Rugby League Federation it has cent increase in activity costs, while keen to contribute to this important area. agreement with French broadcaster kept the Rugby League fl ame burning, administration reduced by 11 per cent. It is an important area for the RLEF to beIN Sport was modest it should be then breathed more and more oxygen Savings were made against the prior assume more authority as transnational seen in context, as the tournament’s into the sport. Having recorded 25 year in both Central and Regional touring becomes more common.

44 45 Table 1

RFL World Cup 2005 12,815 2006 10,894 2007 13,439 2008 14,541 2009 21,922 2010 22,817 2011 27,043 2012 21,846 2013 19,385 15,425 2014 19,080 142 2015 25,274 REVIEW OF STRATEGIC RAG KEY: 100 % and over target 80 - 99 % of target < 80 % of target Table 1 FINANCES PLAN incomplete 2005 890 on hold Another strong financial performance… 2006 1,817 First year update… 2007 1,944 2008 2,008 RFL TOTAL REVENUE 2009 1,644 In January 2015, the RFL published their seven year Strategic Plan along with a subset of strategies for Super League, Championship 2010 1,704 and League 1, the Community Game and England. The RFL Strategic Plan has a number of measures that are reported either monthly, RFL World Cup 2011 1,762 quarterly or annually. The 2015 performance against target is set out below: 40,000 2012 1,414 15,425 2013 1,489 Measure Description 2015 Target 2015 Actual 2014 1,656 30,000 2015 1,803 V1 Terrestrial viewers (000’s) 6,000 14,788 V2 Subscription viewers (000’s) 12,000 12,468 142 20,000

£,000 S1 Number of Spectators across Super League (000’) 1,533 1,527 Number of Spectators Finals, Play-Offs, Magic, S2 267,802 353,893 Summer Bash WCS & Internationals 10,000 Table 1 Table 1 S3 Number of Spectators Championship and League 1 345,178 401,105

2005 3,170 2005 4,910

12,815 10,894 13,439 14,541 21,922 22,817 27,043 21,846 19,385 19,080 25,274 S4 Number of Spectators Challenge Cup (Round 3 onwards) 198,000 206,183 0 2006 3,456 2006 4,153 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 S5 Levels of visibility and profile 104 104 2007 4,190 2007 3,277 Year 2008 4,955 2008 4,088 P1 Number of Registered Community Club Players 41,193 45,242 2009 7,929 2009 NET6,835 RFL VALUE P2 Number of Registered Touch & Tag Participants 5,171 4,740 2010 8,689 2010 3,949 2011 9,179 2011 3,484 P3 Number of Registered College & University Participants 3,027 2,950 2,200 2012 7,775 2012 4,808 Number of people reached through the Sky Try P4 41,665 43,955 2013 6,583 2013 7,703 Programme (cumulative and pro rata) 2014 6,582 2014 7,773 1,650 F1 Super League (Europe) Ltd Turnover (000’s) £30,584 £29,834 2015 10,872 2015 10,403 1 F2 RFL Ltd Turnover (000’s) £20,517 £24,862

1,100 F3 Professional and semi-professional club turnover (000’s) £83,500 Incomplete £,000 Average losses £147K F4 Super League Club Profit and Loss Accounts Incomplete + 4 Clubs in profit 550 F5 Commercial Income (000’s) £2,945 £2,947

890 1,817 1,944 2,008 1,644 1,704 1,762 1,414 1,489 1,656 1,803 PT1 Super League Academies rated as ‘Outstanding’ 8 6 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 PT2 England Academy players making a Super League debut 76% 79% Year PT3 Academy players that graduate to Super League 28 29 PT4 Players that can access Talent Development Environments 2,500 2,973 RFL INVESTMENT TO THE SPORT CASH BALANCES England to win NZ Test PT5 England Performance Target Achieved 11,000 11,000 Series G1 European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model Baseline On hold Good 8,250 G2 Investors in People Incomplete 8,250 1 (Bronze) G3 Investors in Customers Achieved Incomplete

5,500 5,500 G4 Sport England High Performing Governing Body Framework Baseline Achieved £,000 £,000 G5 Sport England Equality Standard for Sport Intermediate Achieved

2,750 Consistent with best practice 2,750 G6 Medical Standards Achieved in British Sport

3,170 3,456 4,190 4,955 7,929 8,689 9,179 7,775 6,583 6,582 10,872 G7 Full time players career engaged 40% 35% 0 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 G8 Safeguarding Compliant - Green Achieved Year Year

46 47

1 1 Consolidated Profit and Loss Account and Other Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31st December 2015

Note 2015 2014 2 Cost of sales 2015 2014 £ £ £ £ £ £ Turnover 1,2 25,274,296 19,221,513 Match costs 3,000,903 1,381,043 Cost of sales 3 (11,410,090) (9,270,375) Grant funded activities 5,086,150 5,086,253 Cost of sales - payable to or on behalf of clubs 4 (3,173,540) (2,234,602) Sponsorship and promotional costs 605,628 303,392 Other 2,717,409 2,499,687 Total cost of sales (14,583,630) (11,504,977) 11,410,090 9,270,375

Gross profit 10,690,666 7,716,536 3 Payments to or on behalf of clubs and other member organisations Payments to or on behalf of clubs and other 2015 2014 member organisations 4 (7,698,540) (4,347,591) £ £ Operating costs (2,853,019) (3,132,716) Awards to clubs 5,240,620 2,581,637 Awards to other sections of the game 156,939 174,633 Administrative costs (10,551,559) (7,480,307) Match officials 1,388,380 703,420 Insurance 480,728 478,720 Operating profit 139,107 236,229 Disciplinary costs and banned substances testing 239,311 240,183 Player welfare 192,562 168,998 Other interest receivable and similar income 9 61,632 58,797 7,698,540 4,347,591

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 200,739 295,026 In addition to the amounts above, further amounts were paid to or on behalf of Tax on profit on ordinary activities 10 (61,249) (76,225) clubs relating to events or government funding. †ese amounts are contained

within cost of sales - payable to or on behalf of clubs and are as follows: Profit for the financial year 139,489 218,801 2015 2014 Notes £ £ 1 Turnover 2015 2014 Match costs 1,544,667 1,376,196 By activity: £ £ Grant funded activities 1,628,873 858,406 Match income 4,677,715 2,901,925 3,173,540 2,234,602 Broadcast 8,069,533 5,757,000 Sponsorship 1,254,798 775,950 Total payments made to or behalf of clubs and other Government funding 5,137,489 4,915,915 member organisations 10,872,080 6,582,193 Other 6,134,761 4,870,723 25,274,296 19,221,513 By geographical market: UK 25,274,296 19,221,513

48 49 Consolidated balance sheet at 31st December 2015

Note 2015 2014 (restated) £ £ £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 2,868,423 3,003,042 Investments 13 - 1 2,868,423 3,003,043

Current assets Debtors 14 10,981,864 10,166,240 Cash at bank and in hand 15 10,402,819 7,773,298 x21,384,683 x17,939,538

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 (22,450,230) (19,287,002)

Net current liabilities (1,065,547) (1,347,464)

Total assets less net current liabilities 1,802,876 1,655,579

Net assets 1,802,876 1,655,579

Capital and Reserves Revaluation reserve 19 412,379 404,571 Accumulated surplus 19 1,390,497 1,251,008

Shareholders’ funds 1,802,876 1,655,579

‡e auditor has substantially completed the audit of the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2015 and currently expects to issue an unqualified audit opinion. .‡e auditor has reported on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2014; their report was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and did not contain statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

50

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2015 RFL ANNUAL REPORT