Derek Beaumont slams former RFL chairman after Nigel Wood swipe

[josie andrews]

It kicked off on social media last night!

Rugby league's social media scene was ablaze last night following a remarkable tweet from the RFL's former chair Simon Johnson, who took a swipe at his interim replacement.

Johnson stepped down from his role as chairman last month following pressures from clubs, who were keen for him to depart before a strategic review of the sport would take place.

Johnson stepped down after being informed of there being enough support to push through his departure and he has now been replaced by Wood, the former chair of Bradford Bulls and previous CEO of the governing body. He has been tasked with overseeing the strategic review which has been commissioned by clubs.

On Monday evening, Johnson took a swipe at Wood, insinuating that Bradford were now back in the conversation to return to Super League should the competition expand to 14 teams as a result of Wood's return to the governing body.

Posting on X, Johnson said: "The next two under grading would be Toulouse and York. But of course, Nigel Wood becomes Chair and lo and behold, Bradford are catapulted in to the reckoning."

His tweet garnered extensive traction on social media and also gained a response from Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont, who hit out at Johnson while pointing out he was factually incorrect.

Beaumont tweeted: “Very poor this Simon appearing to allege Nigel could act in a corrupt manner! When are you going to stop your attacks of him and accept he is what the majority of clubs voted in place of you?

And your grading comment is incorrect and hardly a reliable process given Salford's financial pillar score and what we now know was their position and that they were in special measures. Shame your choosing to lose respect certain people had for you by your actions!”

In a second post, Beaumont added: "Also Simon probably a bit embarrassing to be factually incorrect about something so important when you was chair at the time let’s not let facts get in the way of a good conspiracy theory though.. also Bradford added to their score with facilities since that time which you also know."

It is the latest, and most public proof, of the fractured nature of rugby league's political scene in the UK right now.

https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/new ... fl-1078621

[DaveO]

Beaumont going into bat for Bradford. Nothing suspicious about that at all.

As to him slagging off Johnson for saying York and Toulouse are above Bradford in the IMG grading with Bradford having improved their score, the table Beaumont posted on X shows THREE clubs above Bradford, not two. Toulouse, London and York.

So he can’t even construct a coherent argument in favour of Bradford.

He’s also ignoring the possibility other clubs could have also improved their scores, not just Bradford.

[Mike]

Bradford are in, and Catalans out. Part of the deal surely!

[Firestarter]

Beaumont cant even tell the truth about being a life long leigh fan.

[fozzie58]

Bradford are in, and Catalans out. Part of the deal surely!

Never,no who could see that happening ?

[josie andrews]

Who appointed Beaumont as spokesperson? He’s not been in SL two minutes & suddenly he’s the main man! #Dickhead

[Firestarter]

Who appointed Beaumont as spokesperson? He’s not been in SL two minutes & suddenly he’s the main man! #Dickhead

Hes even got a figurine out now josie.Complete with paper money and wine glass.Would send the pic but not sure how to do it

[josie andrews]

Who appointed Beaumont as spokesperson? He’s not been in SL two minutes & suddenly he’s the main man! #Dickhead

Hes even got a figurine out now josie.Complete with paper money and wine glass.Would send the pic but not sure how to do it

I’ve seen it.

[fozzie58]

Who appointed Beaumont as spokesperson? He’s not been in SL two minutes & suddenly he’s the main man! #Dickhead

I’m puzzled by this too apart from one pot in god knows how long and a dodgy range of kits I’m unsure of why he seems to be the main mover and shaker in all of this to me he’s akin to jar jar binks who out forward a motion to elect a supreme councillor and grant him emergency powers….

[the pieman]

Who appointed Beaumont as spokesperson? He’s not been in SL two minutes & suddenly he’s the main man! #Dickhead

I’m puzzled by this too apart from one pot in god knows how long and a dodgy range of kits I’m unsure of why he seems to be the main mover and shaker in all of this to me he’s akin to jar jar binks who out forward a motion to elect a supreme councillor and grant him emergency powers….

and how long before he throws the toys out the pram too

he's done it more than once at Leigh when he hasnt had his own way. Not paid players, criticised players on social media, said he's packing in and selling up at least a couple of times i can recall

so to seemingly have him front the rebellion and bringing Woods back doesnt fill me with confidence at all, that one he's going to be around if he doesnt get his own way