WALES Rugby League have announced the departure of general manager Mark Rowley from the organisation from this week.
Rowley has been a mainstay of Wales Rugby League for a decade and was key to the organisation’s efforts on achieving National Governing Body status in 2005 and becoming a Full Rugby League International Board Member in 2012.
He was engaged as the WRL’s first full-time chairman in 2006 and became the organisation’s general manager in 2011.
However, managing personal issues alongside the increasing demands of a fast growing organisation in a year that brings the Rugby League World Cup competition to Wales has been formative in his decision.
He said: “I am very saddened to have to leave Wales Rugby League. I am passionate about rugby league and its’ development in Wales and, in that respect, I have dedicated ten years to the cause.
“However, due to personal and business reasons, I now have to move on. I leave Wales Rugby League with a heavy heart but my best wishes to them and everyone involved, including all the coaches and volunteers right across the Principality, particularly in this big year which culminates in the Rugby League World Cup.”
WRL chairman Brian Juliff praised Rowley’s contribution to the development of the sport in Wales, saying: “Mark has been an integral part of Wales Rugby League for 10 years and has helped us to a number of achievements , including our senior team playing in the Four Nations against England, Australia and New Zealand in 2011 and establishing Wales in sixth place in the global rankings.
“Mark’s contribution to the development of the sport in the Principality, from grassroots level with schools and age group rugby league through to senior rugby with the Welsh Conference in both North and South Wales, cannot be underestimated.
“I am sure Mark will not be lost to Rugby League and will further contribute to supporting the Wales effort in this year’s Rugby League World Cup in October. I wish him well with his future business activities and look forward to his continued support as a volunteer”