In a joint statement issued by the RFL, Dr Cherrie Daley and Julia Newton said “recent moves have been contrary to proper governance and, having outlined potential effects, we feel that we must step down”.

They added they were “concerned about questions raised openly this week around historic behaviour and culture”.

It comes after RFL chair Simon Johnson resigned after nearly six years in the role earlier in the week amid a revolt by some Super League clubs who had wanted him to stand down.

“Now, having made sure that these could be addressed sensitively and through the right processes, we feel that we can step aside,” the joint statement said.

The chairmen of Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos then issued a joint statement referring to “a growing amount of unrest over the direction of, and some decision-making of the RFL”.

They added “the majority of clubs…were clear that they wanted a club-led strategic review’ of policy and direction…addressing the challenges we all recognise the sport is facing”.

Johnson has been replaced on an interim basis by former RFL chief executive and Bradford Bulls chairman Nigel Wood, who will lead the club-led strategic review.

In their statement, Daley and Newton said: “While we are sad to leave the RFL board and the sport, given recent and current events, we feel there is no other option.

“In recent days we have spoken to Sport England and met with people in the game who wanted to share concerns. The best interests of the sport and all of its people are paramount and we will continue to work with these principles.”

In a post on social media, Johnson said, “I think it is a tragedy that a sport that has led the way in promoting good governance and which has embraced outstanding women leaders on to the board, has allowed a situation to develop in which there is now not a single independent non-executive director let alone a single woman, remaining on the Board.

“I am very sad at this set of events. My colleagues were leaders of considerable integrity and the fact that they felt that they could not fulfil their fiduciary duties, in the light of current developments, is very depressing.”

Another RFL board member Sandy Lindsay resigned in January.