Hull FC confirm former RFL chief’s return as new role outlined
Tony Sutton has defended the RFL's role in the Salford situation.
Hull FC have confirmed former RFL supremo Tony Sutton has returned to the club as their new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Sutton previously spent 13 years with the Airlie Birds, featuring in their boardroom between 2001 and 2014, before going on to spend more than eight years as an employee of the Rugby Football League (RFL).
First joining the gam’’s governing body as their Director of Finance and Facilities in February 2017, he also held a role as the RFL’s COO before succeeding Ralph Rimmer as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in February 2022.
Sutton eventually stood down from that role as RFL CEO towards the back end of 2025, and on New Year’s Day of 2026, his next destination was confirmed as the MKM Stadium – one he knows well.
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Hull FC confirm former RFL chief’s return as new role outlined
On New Year’s Day, FC’s Chief Executive Richie Myler shared an address to supporters via their club website looking ahead to 2026 and delivering updates on a number of topics.
Among the headline news though from an address which was more than 1,200 words in its entirety was that of Sutton’s return.
Sian Jones has also been appointed as Hull’s new Director of Operations following more than 20 years working for fellow Super League club Leeds Rhinos.
In his address, Myler wrote: “We are delighted to formally welcome Tony Sutton back to the club as our Chief Operating Officer, following nearly a decade with the Rugby Football League, most recently as Chief Executive Officer from 2022 to 2025.
“Tony returns after a 13-year spell with the club between 2001 and 2014, and will oversee all financial, operational and compliance matters across the club and the Hull FC Community Foundation to ensure our off-field operations run as smoothly as possible.
“Like Sian (Jones), Tony brings over two decades of experience to the role and is a crucial addition to the club.”
