Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington has hailed one of the “most significant days” in rugby league’s history as clubs finally discover how IMG intends to catapult it forward.
The global sports and media company agreed a 12-year strategic partnership with the RFL and Super League in April, tasked with roadmapping a way for the sport to maximise its potential. Since then they have been consulting stakeholders across rugby league, including clubs, players, fans and sponsors, before making their proposals for much-needed change. IMG will present their recommendations to Super League, Championship and League 1 clubs for the first time in Manchester on Wednesday.
After years of the RFL and club bosses often dictating the sport’s path, Hetherington is delighted IMG have taken control. He said: "The game’s changed tact on a number of occasions but we’ve never had this strategic input like we have now. The appointment of IMG as a strategic partner for the next 12 years is very significant.
