RFL lay off staff

Lindsay has overseen the implementation committee

Six members of staff have been made redundant at the headquarters of the Rugby Football League as part of a major cost-cutting exercise.

Redundancies had been anticipated since the game's implementation committee began merging the parent body with that of Super League Europe before Christmas.

The RFL said it has been forced to make the cuts to halt a worsening financial crisis which has seen it plunge into a debt of about £1.7m.

The decision was taken by an implementation committee, headed by RFL chief executive Maurice Lindsay, which oversaw the merging of the two bodies.

Intense speculation

"The committee regrettably confirms that six members of staff have been made redundant as part of the process," the RFL said in a statement.

The majority of the staff redundancies have been administrative, but there remains intense speculation over the position of director of rugby Greg McCallum.

The five-strong implementation committee has already dispensed with the services of marketing and communications director Dave Callaghan - while co-director Peter Webster is on sick leave.

Ex-referee McCallum, who has yet to give an indication as to whether or not he will accept a role in the new administration, is thought likely to be the next to leave.

Former Halifax chief executive Nigel Wood is in charge of the day-to-day running of the League while the search goes on for a high-powered executive chairman.

The League has been without a full-time leader since Neil Tunnicliffe quit in mysterious circumstances more than 18 months ago.

The implementation committee is due to report to the League's full council at the annual meeting at Headingley on Friday.