Jewish Leadership Council chief executive Simon Johnson has been appointed chair of the Rugby Football League.

Mr Johnson has worked for 20 years in sports and media and was a senior lawyer at the Premier League and director of corporate affairs at the Football Association.

He replaces Brian Barwick, a former Football Association chief exectuvie who is to become president of the Rugby League World Cup.

Mr Johnson, who is to remain at the JLC, said: "I am thrilled and honoured to have been nominated to be Chair of the Rugby Football League.

“I am particularly proud to be able to lead a reshaped Board, with the right combination of continuity and experience, and a fresh and different approach...

“The Board will look and feel different, bringing increased diversity of thinking and experience.

“The Board will be forward-thinking and will aim to be open and transparent, to promote a compelling narrative about Rugby League and be articulate in showing strategic leadership to the game and the public."