The RFL has strengthened its presence in London with the appointment of Sam Windridge as Business Development Manager in a new commercial office in the capital.

Sam, 27, will be based full time in London at the RFL’s office on the South Bank and joins the organisation after spending five years in commercial sport working for Southampton Football Club and Clipper Ventures.

Paul Kimberley, the RFL’s Commercial Director, said: “We have a dedicated and growing Rugby League staff in London and I am delighted to welcome Sam to the RFL and am confident his commercial expertise will help continue the sport’s development.

“Sam will be part of the London-based commercial team. Many of our partners are London-based and we are adding commercial and marketing resource to grow both the income and awareness of the sport.”

Sam Windridge said:  “I am delighted to be on board and look forward to working with the clubs and partners we have and continue to promote Rugby League. 

“The sport’s strong values, media coverage and year-round action make it a compelling offering. This, coupled with the massive strides with participation levels, makes the task of converting this interest into commercial success a challenge I am relishing.”