IRL Chair Troy Grant pays tribute to Andrew Abdo

International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant has paid tribute to departing NRL CEO Andrew Abo and thanked him for his contribution to the growth of the international game.

Mr Abdo will leave the NRL in July to take charge of Tennis Australia and Mr Grant said he departs with the game in a stronger position than ever before - both domestically and on the international stage.

Under the leadership of ARLC Chair Peter V’landys and Mr Abdo, rugby league is now firmly established as the No.1 sport in Australia and the Pacific, while they have also been instrumental in growing the game internationally.

Mr Grant said: “Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo are a dynamic duo who have been instrumental in setting rugby league up for future success, not just with the NRL but at an international level.

“Andrew and Peter have been great partners for the international game. Andrew is highly regarded globally and on behalf of the International Rugby League Board I want to thank him for his enormous contribution to the game.”

During Mr Abdo’s six-year tenure as NRL Chief Executive, he helped ensure rugby league was the first major sport to return playing during the global COVID pandemic in 2020. 

Mr Abdo was also heavily involved in the establishment of the Pacific Championships and the introduction of an international calendar which has included a Southern Hemisphere nation touring England at the end of each season since 2023.

The ARLC will host IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026, comprising of 26 teams from 13 nations playing 51 matches across three tournaments - Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair – in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand from October 15.

“I first worked with Andrew Abdo on Operation Apollo, which was established by Peter V’landys and the ARLC to get the game back on the field during COVID, and witnessed his incredible work ethic and ability to make the impossible a reality,” Mr Grant said.

“His efforts to ensure the success of the Pacific Championships and the upcoming Rugby League World Cup have been just as significant for International Rugby League.

“While it is disappointing that Andrew is leaving rugby league, I know he will succeed in his role with Tennis Australia and wish him all the best.”