Risman, who played rugby league for Leigh and Leeds and captained Great Britain at the 1968 Rugby League World Cup, is the first person to hold the honorary position from outside the Rugby League Council and was elected by a unanimous vote of representatives from all parts of the sport.
“This is the greatest honour I have ever had,” said Risman, who was also a tourist for the British and Irish Lions rugby union team in 1959. “It was an emotional moment when I was elected president of the RFL and I feel proud and privileged to be given this opportunity.
“It’s going to be an exciting year in my life and I’m looking forward to carrying out all my duties as RFL President, starting with the Northern Rail Cup and Northern Rail 9s at Blackpool next week.”
Risman will represent the RFL in an ambassadorial capacity over the next 12 months until the next RFL Annual General Meeting in 2011. John Whaling, the long serving board member of Sheffield Eagles, was elected vice-president for the same period.
