Wood previously held the positions of chairman and deputy chairman, but is to retire at the end of the year.

"It has been the privilege of my life to serve the cause of international rugby league over the past 18 years," Wood said.

"I'm proud of the growth and diversification of international rugby league since 2000 and looking forward to watching the most inclusive World Cup next year when men, women and wheelchair players will compete on an equal basis."

Wood is currently on the Rugby League World Cup 2021 Board, with the tournament taking place in England next year.

He was tournament director for the 2013 edition of the Rugby League World Cup, which was held predominantly in England but featured matches in Wales, France and Ireland.

"International rugby league represents the greatest opportunity rugby league has to move to the next level and I know there are some exciting plans ahead," Wood continued.

"I would like to thank and pay tribute to the many friends and colleagues around the world who have built international rugby league on the back of passion, commitment and relentless energy and they will continue to help it grow and thrive. 

"I wish them every success in the world."

Wood previously spent more than a decade as chief executive of Rugby Football League, the sport's governing body in England.

IRL chairman Greg Barclay paid tribute to Wood.

"I, and the rest of the Board, would like to thank Nigel for his service and wish him well in his retirement," Barclay said.

"To serve 18 years on an International Federation of sport that has seen so much change and growth is a remarkable achievement and we congratulate him."