ROGER Draper, the former Warrington Wolves chief executive, is to leave his role as chief commercial officer of the RFL.

Draper, who had a two-year spell at The Halliwell Jones Stadium before leaving in 2016, will step down at the end of January to focus on his other business interests.

“As a huge fan of the sport, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the Rugby Football League,” he said.

“It was always my intention to come into the organisation for just a couple of years and give everything to bring more commercial revenue into this great sport.

“With a number of significant commercial announcements due in the coming weeks and the new season about to begin, I believe that now is the right time for me to move on.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Rugby Football League and would like to wish the organisation all the very best for the future.”

The news comes just days after RFL chief executive Nigel Wood also announced he would be leaving the sport’s governing body.