Rugby controversy | Salford Red Devils COO quits amid claims she was told to 'sleep with' RFL figure

The Chief Operating Officer of a professional rugby league club has resigned from her role, amid serious allegations about the club’s leadership, including a claim she was told to sleep with someone at the Rugby Football League (RFL) to “smooth things over”.

The Super League club said it had launched an internal investigation in response to Claire Bradbury’s claims, stating it “unequivocally condemns any and all forms of inappropriate language and behaviour” and would “take any necessary action” once the facts are established.

Allegation of being encouraged to ‘sleep with’ RFL figure

In a public statement on LinkedIn announcing her departure, Bradbury said it was “with a heavy heart” that she was stepping down from the role, which she described as “a position I was immensely proud to hold, not only as the Club’s first female COO in Super League, but as someone committed and excited to represent Salford with professionalism, integrity, and passion”.

She added: "However, over recent months, the conditions under which I and my colleagues have been required to operate made it impossible for me to deliver my role to the standards I set for myself and for the Club."