Robert Hicks was appointed Company Secretary in January 2023. He has worked in Rugby League within the Legal and Operations Department since February 2011, becoming the Director of Operations and Legal in October 2021.

He has overall responsibility for the administration and regulatory framework across all sectors of the sport including Player Welfare, Match Officials and Safeguarding.

Robert is a former International Match Official having officiated at 3 World Cups. He has refereed 2 Challenge Cup Finals, 2 Grand Finals, 2 World Club Challenges and numerous international matches whilst taking charge of over 500 first team matches including over 300 in Super League.

A qualified lawyer, Robert was admitted to the Roll in February 2008 (having previously been called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in July 2004). He previously worked in private practice before joining the RFL where he was responsible for the drafting of the sport’s first set of Operational Rules for Tiers 4-6 as well as being the lead legal person on the 2013 World Cup.

Robert has been actively involved in the sport for most of his life, including in several volunteer roles within the community game at Saddleworth Rangers and latterly at Batley Boys.

He is also a Trustee of the Rodillian Multi Academy Trust where he is also a member of the Trust’s Audit & Risk Committee.