Simon Johnson joins Rugby Football League board

Simon Johnson, who was the chief operating officer of England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup, has joined the Rugby Football League's board as a non-executive member.

Johnson was appointed at the RFL council's annual meeting at Langtree Park today, replacing former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins.

"Simon's wealth of experience in the sports and media industry, together with his widely-acknowledged expertise in sports law and governance, will enable him to make a significant contribution to the ongoing welfare of the sport," RFL chairman Brian Barwick told reporters.

Johnson, who has previously held roles within the Football Association, Premier League and ITV, is currently a non-executive director of the Amateur Swimming Association.