Robert Elstone resignation fuels speculation over Super League merger with RFL

He was appointed by Super League in June, 2018 as clubs in the elite competition - unhappy with the RFL’s governance of the game - set about running their own affairs.

But there is a feeling among some in the sport the split between Super League and the RFL has not worked and two governing bodies are an unnecessary cost, especially at a time when clubs and the code as a whole are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Elstone’s departure could remove one barrier to Super League and the RFL reuniting, but the sport faces a fresh period of in-fighting behind the scenes, with six weeks to go until the new top-flight season begins.

A brief statement issued yesterday afternoon read: “Super League can confirm that it has received notice of executive chairman Robert Elstone’s intention to leave his position.

“The matter will be discussed by the Super League Board and no further comment will be made at this time.”

Though the timing of the announcement was a shock, speculation had been growing about Elstone’s long-term future, particularly after clubs recently voted against a deal which would reportedly have seen Super League take around £61m over five years in return for giving up a 27 per cent stake to private equity firm Novalpina Capital.

The 57-year-old’s brief at the time of his appointment was to bring extra revenue into the sport and negotiate a new television contract.

So far no TV deal has been agreed and there are fears when negotiations are completed the contract will be significantly reduced from the current arrangement.

Barnsley-born Elstone, who was strongly against Toronto Wolfpack’s readmission to Super League, is a lifelong Castleford Tigers fan and had a spell as a director of the club as well as working for the Rugby Football League (RFL).

He joined Everton Football Club in 2005 as chief operating officer and was appointed chief executive in 2009 and a director in 2016.

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