WOLVES have confirmed the departure of chief executive Roger Draper as he takes up a role with the RFL.

Draper has been appointed as Super League Executive Director and RFL Chief Commercial Officer. He will take up the role in early December 2016.

“It has been a great privilege to lead Warrington Wolves and I have loved every minute of my time here at The Halliwell Jones Stadium,” he said.

“I will miss many things but most of all I will miss all the people involved in this great club – the Board of Directors and hardworking colleagues and of course our amazing Hardwired fans.

“While we have achieved a great deal in the last few years, there is still lots to be done, but I think under the strong leadership of the Warrington Wolves Board, the club remains very well placed to achieve its goal of becoming one of the best Rugby League clubs in the world.”

The Wolves board will now consider an appropriate succession process and chairman Professor Steven Broomhead hailed the impact Draper has had at The Wire.

“Roger has had a significant impact in modernising our club,” he said.

“His leadership has produced much-improved fan and sponsor engagement, greatly improved match-day and customer experiences and an overall, much better professional standard within the club which has just enjoyed a very successful 2016 season.”