Parliamentary Rugby League Group hears from Supporters Direct

The All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group welcomed representatives of Supporters Direct to the Palace of Westminster last night (20 March).

MPs and Peers were joined by honorary and associate members in Parliament, and heard from Supporters Direct Chief Executive Ashley Brown, Chair Tom Greatrex, and Network Manager Nicola Hudson. The presentation focused on Supporters Direct’s work to develop fan engagement in rugby league.

Supporters Direct was set up in 1999 to help football supporters gain influence in the running and ownership of their club. Since 2009, the organisation has established around 20 Supporters’ Trusts in rugby league, six of whom now majority control or own their clubs.

Chairing the meeting was Member of Parliament for St Helens South and Whiston, and All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group Secretary, Marie Rimmer MP. She said “it was a pleasure to welcome representatives from Supporters Direct to Parliament and hear about their work to develop good governance and enable the development of sustainable clubs based on supporter involvement. I hope that the Group will be able to work closely with Supporters Direct over the coming years.”

All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group Chair and Member of Parliament for Bradford South, Judith Cummins MP, added “supporters are a vital part of our game, and deserve a voice. Supporters Direct do fantastic work to ensure that fans are heard, and that the sport is responsive to their needs, and those of local communities across the country.”

Supporters Direct Network Manager, Nicola Hudson, said “it was a honour to meet with the All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group, and have the opportunity to discuss Supporters Direct’s work to develop fan engagement in the sport. We look forward to continuing to work with the Group, and with stakeholders from across rugby league, to ensure that fans have a strong voice in the sport.”