Robert Hicks one of two RFL employees suspended pending investigation

[josie andrews]

The governing body has confirmed that two members of staff have been suspended.

Two members of Rugby Football League staff have been suspended pending an investigation. Robert Hicks, the governing body's Director of Operations & Legal and Kerry Simmons, Safeguarding Manager, were both suspended last week.

Hicks enjoyed a successful career as a match official, taking charge of over 300 Super League matches and refereeing at three World Cups. He was also giving the whistle for two Challenge Cup Finals, two Grand Finals and two World Club Challenge matches.

Away from the field, he has become a well-respected and important figure at the governing body, where he has worked in the legal and operations department for over a decade. According to the RFL website, Hicks has "overall responsibility for the administration and regulatory framework across all sectors of the sport including Player Welfare, Match Officials and Safeguarding."

He has played an important role in the implementation of new rules and the ongoing legal case relating to former players taking legal action against the game.

Meanwhile, Simmons is "responsible for promoting safeguarding, implementing changes and ensuring safeguarding practices are adhered to throughout the game."

When contacted for comment, an RFL spokesperson said: “Two members of staff were suspended last week, pending investigation into disclosures we have received under our Public Interest Disclosure Policy.”

Last year former head of match officials Steve Ganson was stood down pending an internal review before leaving the role in December.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... ommunities

[moto748]

Let's hope some light is shed on this soon.