Elstone stepping down as Super League’s chief
SUPER League chief executive Robert Elstone is set to leave his role with the competition.
Elstone, who was appointed after the competition split from the RFL, handed in his notice this week after less than three years in his role.
His arrival coincided with the competition’s ugly split from the Rugby Football League before being left to handle the implications of Covid-19. All the while, he has been left to negotiate a new television deal.
However, his time has also been criticised due to rising operational costs that have followed his appointment, with little in terms of growth seen in return.
Accounts for the year ending 2019 showed an increase in salaries and wages up from £246,781 in 2018 to £904,241, while in the same period sponsorship income decreased from £2.024m to £1.675m, a 17% fall.
The expulsion of Toronto Wolfpack was also heavily scrutinised after the Super League executive voted against the return of the Canadian club, after an ‘independent’ report said there was no commercial value to Super League despite the club attracting strong attendances in a short space of time.
Most recently, Elstone’s attempts to secure a private equity deal, something he had strongly advocated, were rejected by a number of Super League clubs who didn’t approve of the decision to give control to an external source.
It remains unclear when Elstone will officially leave his post.
Super League said they would make no further comment.
What this means for the future of Super League as a separate entity is unclear. Last year, talks were held between some clubs about a potential realignment with the RFL due to concerns over rising costs.
The structure of the Super League board has been criticised as it gives each club a vote on significant decisions for the sport. Many clubs have been accused of acting in self-interest and Elstone, who was earning a substantial six-figure salary, only had as much say as the clubs in the voting process.
The Super League season is due to start in six weeks, with the competition’s TV deal due to expire with Sky Sports at the end of the year.