Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith gives his own verdict on Ian Blease’s sporting director appointment – Total Rugby League

LEEDS RHINOS head coach Rohan Smith has revealed he “fully supports” the decision to appoint Ian Blease as the club’s new sporting director.

Much has been made this week about Blease’s new role at Headingley after a long spell at Super League rivals Salford Red Devils.

There has been speculation surrounding the appointment that Salford boss Paul Rowley could eventually follow Blease to Headingley.

But Smith is looking forward to working with Blease when the latter officially begins his role on Monday.

“I fully support the appointment,” Smith said.

“I met Ian during my time as a coach, I was on the other side of some of the teams he was here with.

“I also spent some time with him when he was a player agent when I was at Bradford. I don’t know much about him, but there is a mutual respect there.

“We’ll be looking to get the ball rolling on Monday when it kicks off.”

Blease’s departure ends a 20-year association with Salford, where he represented the Red Devils both on and off the pitch.

Originally from Salford, 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.

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