Lewis named Sport England chief

Richard Lewis will be in charge at Sport England until 2013

Rugby Football League chief Richard Lewis has been appointed as the new chair of Sport England.

Lewis will relinquish his executive chair duties at the RFL, to prevent any conflict of interest, before taking up the new four-year role on 1 April.

But Lewis will continue to work three days a week for the RFL.

"I'm delighted to be appointed at such an exciting and challenging time in sport," said Lewis, who has also worked at the Lawn Tennis Association.

"I know the massive benefits sport can bring to millions of people throughout the country and I want more people every year from all walks of life to get involved in sport.

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"Sport England can help make it happen and that is why I look forward to taking up the role."

A legacy target of getting one million people playing more sport was a key part of the London 2012's successful Olympic bid and Sport England has since granted £480m of funding over four years to help achieve that aim.

Lewis will be paid £45,000 a year for carrying out the role two days a week.

Michael Farrar, who held the role on an interim basis, will continue as a Sport England board member.

Lewis will continue as chair of the Rugby League European Federation and as deputy chair of the Rugby League International Federation