ANNUAL REPORT …Once again crowd records were broken, participation increased, the TV negotiations were successfully concluded and ongoing financial stability all contributed to building on the successes of the last few years. CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT 2-3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT 4-5 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 6-7 OUR MISSION & VALUES 8-9 ENGLAND 10-13 ENGAGE SUPER LEAGUE 14-15 CARNEGIE CHALLENGE CUP 16-19 THE CO-OPERATIVE NATIONAL LEAGUES 20-21 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 22-23 THE EUROPEAN GAME 24-25 PERFORMANCE & COACHING 26-27 MATCH OFFICIALS 28-29 MARKETING & COMMERCIAL 30-31 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 32-49 CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT I am pleased to report that 2008 was another year which saw A major project that concluded in 2008 was the licensing of continued success and progress for Rugby League in Great clubs to compete in engage Super League in the 2009-11 Britain. Once again crowd records were broken, participation seasons. The RFL’s Board were charged with the ultimate increased, the TV negotiations were successfully concluded and decision of which clubs would be admitted into Super League ongoing financial stability all contributed to building on the for the next three-year cycle. The project involved many parts of successes of the last few years. the Governing Body, and the Board were able to make considered and accurate decisions about which clubs were at The Carnegie Challenge Cup Final was back at Wembley for the the right level for Super League. The eventual decision was to second year, and the highlight of the Rugby League calendar did not increase Super League to 14 clubs, with Celtic Crusaders and fail to disappoint. St Helens were the ultimate victors on the day, Salford City Reds joining the existing 12 clubs from 2008. beating Hull FC in front of an almost sell-out crowd. In October Clare Morrow joined the Board, filling the vacancy The major disappointment of the year was the performance of left by Ian Edwards. I would like to take this opportunity to England in the first Rugby League World Cup since 2000. The thank Ian for his hard work during his time as a non-Executive tournament in the southern hemisphere was not the end to the Director. Clare is proving to be a strong and active Board season that everyone had hoped for, with England playing member, and brings her experiences in the marketing and poorly and ultimately being knocked out of the tournament in broadcast arenas to the Board. She has already contributed the semi-finals. However, both the Ireland and Scotland teams, very effectively to the many opportunities and challenges that which the RFL organised and funded, did their nations proud Rugby League faces and I’m sure will continue to provide a with Ireland qualifying for the latter stage of the competition great deal to the work of the Board. before finally being eliminated by Fiji. The tournament itself was very successful, both commercially, and in terms of attendances I usually end my annual report by thanking clubs, volunteers, and TV viewers. In parallel tournaments the England teams staff and everyone associated with Rugby League for their hard representing the country in the Combined Services competition work and support throughout the year. Once again I believe that and the Wheelchair competition were both victorious. England it is entirely appropriate and accurate to do so. I believe that Women’s Rugby League also competed well in their tournament, 2009 will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but we will all face reaching the semi-finals of the competition. these challenges together and continue the work of progressing the sport we all love. The TV negotiations, which had commenced in 2007, came to a satisfactory conclusion in 2008. New broadcast contracts were signed with the BBC and Sky for both the RFL and Super Richard Lewis League. The contracts which run from 2009 to 2011 saw an increase in the amount of money that comes into the sport, Chairman which will obviously have a knock-on effect on how much will be distributed to the member clubs going forward. 2 3 4 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT I am very happy to report that for the seventh consecutive year the in the economy, but careful management of costs, including RFL has delivered an operating profit which has contributed staff following set rules and procedures to keep costs at as low towards producing our strongest ever balance sheet. In 2008 the a level as possible, is required going forward to ensure that any RFL delivered its highest turnover ever, and in a year where there downturns in our levels of income have a reduced effect. was no home international series, this is a remarkable achievement. The RFL undertook a number of pieces of substantial work during The Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley was attended by 2008 including Super League licensing, the creation of new 82,821 fans who created a fantastic atmosphere. This occasion regulations compelling clubs to generate more home grown players continues to be an iconic event in the Rugby League calendar and finally modifications of the disciplinary system to speed up the and a highlight for players, supporters and sponsors alike. process and improve the consistency of adjudications. Despite their cup success, St Helens were defeated for the Licensing was an extremely complex and time consuming piece second consecutive year in the engage Super League Grand of work, but one which the game responded extremely positively Final by Leeds Rhinos and Salford City Reds did the double to and one which resulted in an expanded Super League of 14 winning both the Co-operative National League One Grand Final clubs, including for the first time a Welsh based club. and Northern Rail Cup. Gateshead Thunder and Doncaster both In an attempt to improve the supply of players available to won promotion from the Co-operative National League Two. support the national sides, the Super League clubs Internationally 2008 did not include a home international series unanimously approved the instigation of rules requiring due to the Rugby League World Cup in Australia. Unfortunately clubs to invest increased sums in junior development the England team were not successful bowing out in the semi- systems and meet targets on the number of home grown finals to the eventual winners New Zealand – the first time players at their clubs. Clubs are to be congratulated for since the competition began in 1954 that either England (or recognising the importance of this initiative and Great Britain) or Australia have not won the Cup. enthusiastically supporting its objectives. England did have success in other World Cups, with the Finally, the disciplinary process saw the recommendations which Wheelchair team and Combined Services teams both being had been presented to Council late in 2007 implemented. These victorious in their relevant tournaments. changes were well received and the whole process ran very smoothly. As the Chairman mentioned in last year’s report, the The organisers in Australia ran a financially successful World Cup disciplinary processes of Rugby League are admired and and the profits from the competition are retained by the RLIF. respected throughout British sport and it is important this The organisation’s commercial performance was again strong in position is maintained. 2008 and the RFL’s portfolio of partners has been enhanced Rugby League Services continues to provide a valuable and further with the addition of Gillette as an RFL partner, important service to the whole of the community game, to complementing their support of the England team and BARLA, Combined Services, Conference Leagues, Schools and international competitions. Several other partners also renewed Students. It is vital that the RFL through Rugby League Services their relationships with the RFL. communicates effectively with the grass roots of the sport and Rugby League’s ability to deliver upon the Government’s health ensures that participation levels continue to rise. and activity agenda continues to be recognised and attracts I would like to finish by taking this opportunity to thank all the support on both revenue and capital fronts. It is important to RFL staff and volunteers for contributing to another healthy acknowledge that the public purse assists the sport from a year for the sport in 2008. I would also like to thank the players, wider perspective than merely the funding that flows through clubs and everyone else associated with Rugby League for all the RFL. Many clubs, both professional and community, take their hard work during the year. advantage of the numerous initiatives and schemes that are available to various sectors of the game. This improves both participation and the environment at which participation occurs. The RFL constantly monitors central operating costs to ensure Nigel Wood that they remain at acceptable levels. The current economic climate has not impacted the RFL to the extent seen elsewhere Chief Executive Officer 5 Richard Lewis - Chairman Appointed as RFL Chairman in April 2002, Richard dedicates his time to developing the game nationally and internationally and maximising key external stakeholder relationships. Richard was recently appointed Chair of Sport England, and is currently Chair of the Rugby League European Federation and Deputy Chair of the Rugby League International Federation. Prior to his career in Rugby League, Richard was the former Director of Tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association and before that was an international tennis player and coach. Nigel Wood - Chief Executive Officer Appointed Chief Executive of the RFL in October 2007 after six years as Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer, Nigel has led the organisation's financial recovery which resulted in the incorporation in 2006 as well as consecutive years of profitable trading.