Tony Adams: I want to help put rugby league on national stage

Drew Darbyshire

Tony Adams wants to help raise rugby league’s national profile when he becomes the RFL president.

The former England and Arsenal captain will become the 29thpresident of the Rugby Football League when he takes over from Andy Burnham next summer.

Adams, who founded the Sporting Chance Clinic, attended the Super League Grand Final which saw Wigan Warriors beat Warrington Wolves 12-4 at Old Trafford back in October.

On his new role with the RFL, Adams told Sporting Chance: “It will be an honour to become the next president of the RFL and I am looking forward with pride to taking up the role next summer.

“I am passionate about working with everyone in the sport to raise the profile of mental health, wellness and resilience, for players and everyone in rugby league.

“I’d also like to play my part in championing this brilliant sport on the national stage.”

On the appointment of Adams, RFL chairman Brian Barwick commented: “Tony Adams is known and respected throughout sport and beyond, not only for his outstanding playing career with Arsenal, but more recently for his pioneering work with Sporting Chance.

“The game has recognised the important of mental health, for players and everyone else involved, and Tony’s election is another significant step in that regard.”