V’landys appointed NRL executive chairman

Peter V’landys has been appointed the National Rugby League’s first executive chairman, combining executive leadership of the competition with his role as chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission. The NRL said the commission unanimously endorsed the appointment and that clubs and states had been consulted. The appointment gives V’landys a role effectively replacing the NRL chief executive position while he remains at the head of the commission. Andrew Abdo left as chief executive to become Tennis Australia’s chief executive, and V’landys had been serving as acting NRL chief while taking long-service leave from Racing NSW. V’landys also announced he is leaving his position as Racing NSW chief executive after 22 years. His departure will take effect when his long-service leave ends in November, according to the reports. He said he had put his heart and soul into racing and thanked the boards and staff he worked with. The NRL described the appointment as providing continuity, and the ARL Commission said V’landys had overseen a successful period for the game.