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The chair of Wales Rugby League (WRL) will be stepping down from the role on August 1, the organisation has announced.

Brian Juliff, who has led Wales Rugby League since June 2012, is stepping down for personal reasons.

His wife, Anne, has been diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, which is a very rare form of blood cancer.

Earlier this year, Anne was told she would need a stem cell transplant to treat her condition. The search for a stem cell donor began five months ago, however a matching donor has not yet been found.

With Mr Juliff at the helm, WRL has introduced Wheelchair, Women’s, PDRL and Masters rugby league teams at club and international level.

He has also been involved with the development of two academies, including linking Coleg y Cymoedd, which has campuses in Ystrad Mynach and Nantgarw, with Super League outfit Salford Red Devils.

The partnership has seen several young Welsh players join Salford’s academy, with some even going on to sign first team contracts.

During his playing days, Mr Juliff played union for Mountain Ash, Pontypridd and Newport.

He switched codes to league, where he made 8 appearances for Wales and played for teams including Widnes, Wakefield Trinity, Wigan, Halifax and Castleford.

Mr Juliff said: “It has been a difficult decision to step down but it’s absolutely the correct course of action.

“It has become increasingly more difficult for me to devote the time needed to Wales Rugby League as I focus my energy to support Anne with her treatment and also to raise awareness of the incredibly thoughtful charities who are working so hard to try to find the stem cell replacement that could save people’s lives.

“I’m proud of what has been achieved during my time as chair, and I’m certain that with so many outstanding, passionate, and committed volunteers at all levels of the game and a very capable board of directors, the sport in Wales will continue to thrive.

“I’d like to thank all of those who have worked with me over the years and who continue to give their time to provide opportunities for people to play the great game of Rugby League.”

WRL President Mike Nicholas said Mr Juliff had provided “massive stability” and said his resignation was a “massive loss to WRL”.

He continued: “Hopefully he’ll stay on board or return in some capacity as it’s sad to lose people of his calibre. Best of luck Brian, I look forward to when we meet again at a WRL event.”

WRL is currently in the process of appointing Mr Juliff’s successor.

• WRL is encouraging eligible people to register as a stem cell donor with either the Anthony Nolan Trust or DKMS.