Sheffield judge becomes first woman to join rugby league panel

A Sheffield Crown Court judge whose father played for a double-winning rugby team is set to become the first female chair of the sport's tribunal panel.
By Tim Cunningham
Published 7th Feb 2020, 11:55 BST
Updated 7th Feb 2020, 15:32 BST
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Her Honour Judge Sarah Wright will join the Rugby Football League’s Operational Rules Tribunal Panel later this year.

"I am thrilled and very proud to join the Rugby Football League’s Operational Rules Tribunal Panel and extremely honoured to be replacing His Honour Peter Charlesworth whose immense service has been rightly recognised by his addition to the RFL’s Roll of Honour," she said.

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"My late father Frank played hooker for Warrington between 1953 and 1958.

Judge Sarah Wright's dad, Frank, at Wembley.Judge Sarah Wright's dad, Frank, at Wembley.
Judge Sarah Wright's dad, Frank, at Wembley.

"He was part of the Challenge Cup winning team in 1954, being awarded the Lance Todd Trophy for man of the match in the draw against Halifax at Wembley before the replay in front of the World Record crowd of over 102,500 at Bradford’s Odsal Stadium.

"In 1958 he proudly signed for his hometown club, Wigan, so Rugby League has always been a part of my life.

"I am very much looking forward to the challenges of my new role and excited about taking an active part in the rugby league community."

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The judge joins His Honour Rodney Grant, His Honour Judge Chris Batty, and His Honour Judge Guy Kearl QC to provide legal expertise as chairs of the Operational Rules Tribunal, which also draws from a panel of former players alongside other qualified personnel to consider on-field, off-field and safeguarding disciplinary cases.

The double winning 1953/54 Warrington side (Frank Wright, back row second from left).The double winning 1953/54 Warrington side (Frank Wright, back row second from left).
The double winning 1953/54 Warrington side (Frank Wright, back row second from left).

She was a barrister for nearly 30 years practising from chambers at 39, Park Square, Leeds, and then Paradise Chambers, Sheffield. She was appointed to the Circuit Bench in January 2014 and now sits at Sheffield Crown Court where she presides over serious criminal cases.

Karen Moorhouse, the RFL’s Chief Regulatory Officer, said: “We are delighted that Sarah Wright has agreed to join the panel. She will become the first female Chair of the ORT, which is another noteworthy moment for the game.

“The game is lucky to be able to draw on a combination of legal expertise and appropriate other experience through the members of our Operational Rules Tribunals.”