Hull FC to make Richie Myler director of rugby, with Leeds Rhinos investors linked

Richie Myler is to be appointed Hull FC’s new director of rugby. Hull Live can exclusively reveal that the former Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves player has been lined up to lead the Black and Whites into a new era.

Myler, who currently plays for York Knights, is believed to have already started working behind the scenes for the club and his appointment is expected to be announced in the coming days. His arrival will take many by surprise given his lack of experience in such a role, with Myler still featured in the Championship to date.

But his appointment could be linked to the potential new investment in the club that has been openly discussed in recent days. He is linked to Leeds Rhinos chairman Andrew Thirkill and is believed to be among those interested in injecting cash into the club. Owner Adam Pearson told BBC Humberside there were three interested parties, Thirkill believed to be among them. Last year he was named the 42nd richest businessman in Yorkshire, with an estimated fortune of £180m.

Myler, 33, has made more than 300 appearances in his career, spending the vast majority of them up front. He played for Warrington Wolves, Salford Red Devils, Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos, as well as representing England and Ireland. He won the Challenge Cup twice during his career.

Pearson hinted on Friday night that the new director of rugby was due to step out of his existing role. “We are going through a professional process,” he told BBC Humberside. “As soon as the Director of Rugby is released from his current contract he will be able to come out and let everyone know where we are in the process, but it won’t be long.”

Myler will now oversee the appointment of a head coach, the club’s short- and long-term recruitment, as well as all performance-related aspects of the club’s on-field activities.