Salford Red Devils boss Ian Blease to become sporting director of Super League rivals Leeds Rhinos – Total Rugby League

SALFORD RED DEVILS boss Ian Blease has made the move to become Leeds Rhinos’ sporting director.

His departure brings to an end a 20-year association with the club, where he represented the Red Devils both on and off the pitch.

A Salford lad, Blease joined the club as a player from local side Folly Lane ARL. He went on to make 272 appearances over a 12-year period, including three seasons as club captain.

Ian also won two Second Division titles (1990-91 and 1995-96) and was part of the team that won promotion to the newly formed Super League in 1996.

The full-back also reached two Lancashire Cup finals, scoring a memorable try against Widnes in 1991. From his playing days, Blease joined the club in 2016 as director of rugby.

During his tenure, the Red Devils reached the Betfred Super League final in 2019 and the Challenge Cup final in 2020.

Following his departure, Blease said: “As my time at Salford Red Devils draws to a close I hope everyone will understand my decision as it is a huge opportunity for me and my family to join Leeds Rhinos as the sports director.

“I’ve given my all for this club for over 20 years and I feel now is the right time to look for something I’ve worked so hard for.

“First of all, I would like to pay tribute to all my club mates and the board for understanding my position, who have helped and assisted me over the last eight years.

“They know who I am, you are very special to me and I will be forever grateful.

“Secondly, to all my coaches and backroom staff, you have been spot on for the club every day we have worked together.

“For every player over the last eight years, you have my complete heart. You wore the jersey with such pride and you all helped me build teams that competed with the best in the competition – and I will be forever grateful.

“I now have the best memories to take with me from our years of working closely together.

“Finally, a special mention to the Red Devils fans, your support for and for me has been amazing.

“From the Supporters Trust and its members to every single fan who has taken the time to speak to me over the years, I sincerely thank you.

“It has been an absolute pleasure working for you all and I sincerely wish all the fans and the Red Devils all the best for the future.

“I hope my contribution to the club has helped the club go from where it was when I arrived to where it is now.”

Managing Director Paul King added: “Ian has been a loyal servant to the club for over 20 years now, so it is with some sadness that we confirm his departure.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed our last six years working together and it is a relationship that has created so many unforgettable memories.

“Old Trafford in 2019 and Wembley in 2020 are two fantastic occasions which will remain stamped into the club’s DNA throughout history, as will Ian.

“It’s very hard to turn down one of the big three when they’re batting, so I fully understand his decision to leave and I wish him well for the future.

“Ian, Sally and Ava have been part of the Salford family for a long time so match days will be a bit strange but they will always be welcome back at the stadium and should be guaranteed a very warm and welcoming welcome when the Rhinos are town in August – I’ve no doubt we’ll be sharing a pint after the game.

“The club will now focus on securing a stadium deal, the start of our elite Academy, building the 2025 squad, the play-off race and many other exciting opportunities heading our way.”

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