Ian Nolan has declared Rugby League must seize an “incredibly exciting” moment for the sport as he begins work as the Rugby Football League’s new Chief Executive.
Nolan, who has worked as a senior executive at Manchester United and operated for Yahoo Sports during a 20-year career in the sports industry, officially started his role this week.
He will attend the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday when around 70,000 fans are expected to witness the eagerly-anticipated showpiece between Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity.
In his first week at the helm, Nolan has outlined a clear mission to not only grow the game sustainably but give players, clubs and communities a bigger platform on which to shine.
He said: “Rugby League has one of the richest and most unique histories in British sport, and I’m incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to shape its next chapter.
"I know this game means so much to so many communities, and as custodians our ambition should be simple: to leave the game stronger than we found it.
“That means growing the game sustainably, supporting our clubs, listening to our fans and making sure more people than ever have a chance to watch, play and love the sport.
“Throughout my career I’ve learned that every sport has great stories. Stories can come from our players, from within a club or even from our fans, and rugby league has some of the very best - they just deserve a bigger stage."
Nolan, who witnessed Wigan Warriors' Brad O'Neill crowned as Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel at Tuesday's Rugby League Awards Night, added: "Whatever stream, screen or feed the fan is watching on, or even within the stadium itself, our job is to bring those stories to life.
"If we can inspire more people to fall in love with rugby league, we’ll create a stronger future for everyone connected with the game.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for rugby league. Attendances and online engagement are growing here, the world is taking notice of the sport, and we have every right to be seen as one of the most exciting sports growth stories on the planet.
"It's a privilege to be part of that, and the best is still to come.”
Nolan’s arrival comes as Rugby League builds momentum across attendances, digital engagement and international interest - with the RFL focused on converting that growth into long-term strength across the professional and community games.
For details on tickets for the Betfred Super League Grand Final and how to watch, click here.
