IRL announces appointments to new Membership & Competitions department

International Rugby League is pleased to announce that former European Rugby League General Manager David Butler has been appointed to the new role as Head of Membership & Competitions.

The Membership & Competitions department was established on January 1 and Remond Safi, the former ERL Americas and MEA Director, has also joined IRL as Membership & Competitions Manager. Both have taken up their new roles after consultation with ERL about how their expertise could benefit all IRL members.

"This move is mutually beneficial to both European and international organisations,” said ERL Chair Dean Andrew.

“David and Remond will still be closely involved with the day-to-day running of the European game. This will bring ERL closer to the IRL, removing cross-federation frictions and improving global standards.

"The international game will have access to the considerable experience David and Remond have from running the game in Europe, Middle East & Africa and the Americas. It is a switch that benefits the game globally and the individuals professionally."

The department will implement the IRL’s regulatory framework, lead on planning and delivery of IRL competitions and coordinate with IRL members to ensure cohesion and growth. Departmental tasks include:

• managing the Annual Membership Audit, including post-AMA corrective action plans which are used to strengthen member governance and operations;

• World Cup qualification competitions;

• AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) application, which is the entry point into the Olympic pyramid;

• member applications for Senior International Matches and the management of those SIMs;

• new national federation membership applications and current members’ applications for a new membership category;

• technical education, and

• representing IRL in the judiciary framework.

IRL Secretary-General Danny Kazandjian said: “As part of its ongoing governance review, IRL took the decision to increase its capacity to ensure that members are receiving as much support as possible. Part of that process is to restructure the management team and we thank ERL for its support in this transitional phase.

“The international federation now has more direct oversight of functions that are at the core of its mission, specifically managing international competition and strengthening and supporting the members. IRL will be a better organisation as a result, and I’d like to welcome both David and Remond to the IF at a really exciting time in its history.”