Richard Lewis (born 1944/45)^[1] is a former Davis Cup tennis player from Surrey.

Lewis is as of 2009^{[update][citation needed]} executive chairman of the Rugby Football League, a position he has held since 2002.^[2] He is also chairman of Sport England as of 2009^[update].^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Tennis career

In 1978, Lewis helped Great Britain reach the Davis Cup final and he also played in the 1981 semi-finals.^[3] He also achieved a highest ranking of 68th in the world.^[2]

[edit] Administration

[edit] Lawn Tennis Association

After finishing his playing career, Lewis moved into sports administration joining the U.K. Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) in 1987, rising to become the its director of tennis,^[2] but agreeing to leave his position^[4] in the wake of a 2000 loss to Ecuador that led to reduction of British tennis's status from "World" to "Euro-African Zone".^[5]

[edit] Rugby Football League

Within a year of joining the RFL, Lewis oversaw reunification with the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) after nearly 30 years of division.^[6]

Lewis, it was claimed by then Widnes Vikings chairman Tony Chambers, showed his strong expansionist credentials in 2005 when he allegedly threatened to resign if Super League clubs did not back a plan to save London Broncos (now Harlequins Rugby League), although he denies this.^[7]

Under Lewis, plans for a Super League licensing system were introduced.

Through his position at the RFL, Lewis has become Chair of the Rugby League European Federation and Deputy Chair of the Rugby League International Federation.^[3]

Following Nigel Wood's appointment as RFL Chief Executive in October 2007, Lewis's role increasingly focusses on developing rugby league in the UK and internationally.^[3]

[edit] References