Rugby League

Damian Clayton to leave RAF for new CEO role at Halifax Panthers

Squadron Leader Damian Clayton MBE is to leave the Royal Air Force after 36 years of service to take on the role of CEO at championship side Halifax Panthers.

Throughout his military career, Sqn Ldr Clayton played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of rugby league in the Armed Forces, were he captained the RAF team from 1994 to 2006 before representing the Armed Forces on the RFL's community board since its creation in 2006.

He was awarded an MBE in 2002 for services to rugby league in the Armed Forces, in recognition of his role as the driving force to the sport gaining full recognition in the military.

Speaking to Halifax Panthers, Sqn Ldr Clayton said: "I am deeply honoured to join the Halifax Panthers as their Chief Executive Officer. This appointment is not just a role, but an overt demonstration by the board to help elevate the club to new heights.

"Having been associated with the performance side for many years, I have a profound connection and understanding of the club's culture and values.

"I am eager to apply my considerable operational, strategic and administrative military experience and exploit my broad rugby league network to ensure we excel both on and off the field.

"My commitment to the Halifax Panthers is such that I am leaving the Royal Air Force five years earlier than planned and is a decision that I haven’t taken lightly. I am excited at the prospect of what the board, staff and whole Halifax Panthers family can achieve together – bring it on!"

Sqn Ldr Clayton's contribution to Armed Forces rugby league also included numerous official ceremonies, including the Remembrance Day Test against New Zealand in 2018 and the England squad's trip to the War Graves on the Western Front.

He also played a crucial role in re-establishing the tradition of the Service of Remembrance on the eve of the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, which dates back to 1930 and was revived in 2014.

Most recently he coached the UK Armed Forces in the 2017 World Cup in Australia, as well as working as a performance coach with England Rugby League, Halifax RLFC, Castleford RLFC and Bradford AFC.