Craig Young resigns from Dragons board over Brett Finch character

Craig Young has officially resigned from the St George Illawarra Dragons board, following backlash over his decision to provide a character reference for Brett Finch.

The long-time club great was due to step down as chairman next week as part of the joint-venture deal, but will now step down from the board altogether.

Young wrote a character reference for close family friend Finch, who is on trial for sharing child sexual abuse material on an official Dragon Club letterhead.

The decision caused quite a stir, with Red distancing themselves from V Young’s comments and the former front-rower apologizing for his poor judgement.

But on Monday evening, the club released a statement confirming that Young would be leaving, effective immediately.

“I have advised my colleagues on the St George Illawarra Dragons board this afternoon to resign as directors of the club with immediate effect,” he said.

“I believe it is in the best interests of the club – interests that I have always been proud to work for and represent positively.

“I believe this is the appropriate course of action, given my personal decision to put a personal reference on official letterhead, for which I have already apologized.

“I regret my error in judgment to provide the reference on the letterhead at the request of the legal representatives.

“I do not regret the decision to provide a character reference to a longtime family friend for his character and behavior before a harmful addiction.”

Young’s departure ends a 45-year association with the Dragons as a player, coach and administrator.

Wynn CEO Andrew Lancaster will take over as chairman in 2023.