Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher has today advised chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer has tendered his resignation to pursue a new career opportunity and will be leaving the organisation effective March 30, 2023.
Sawyer has been a key member of the QRL leadership team for the past five years. He commenced his journey with the QRL in 2018 as chief operating officer and transitioned to CEO in October, 2021.
“I would like to thank the QRL Board and the amazing staff we have across the state for making my time at the QRL a rewarding experience and I wish the QRL continued success in the future,” Sawyer said.
Hatcher said “on behalf of the Board, we thank Rohan for his contribution and we wish him well for his future endeavours".
Hatcher said from early April, former QRL managing director Robert Moore would fill the role of interim CEO while the Board conducted an extensive external recruitment process for a new permanent CEO.
Moore previously led the QRL for more than 10 years and has had significant involvement in rugby league over an extended period.
Hatcher said the Board had moved to ensure a smooth transition to a new CEO as the QRL pursued its important strategic priorities and vision to build ‘a game that unites, excites and inspires all Queenslanders to have a deep connection to rugby league and their community’.
“As a custodian of the game, the QRL is uniquely positioned to facilitate programs and initiatives to drive growth and engagement, from community rugby league right through to high performance and pathways,” Hatcher said.
“We have ambitious growth targets across our game this year and beyond.”
Hatcher said QRL’s key priorities were community, innovation, accessibility and pathways and participation.
“The QRL is proud of the leadership role it plays in shaping the delivery of the game from community rugby league to the elite level,” he said.
“Our important priorities include upskilling coaches, referees and volunteers, in addition to the marketing, promotion and consumption of our game to ensure it is enjoyed throughout the state.”
