Huddersfield Giants and Super League legend Eorl Crabtree confirms new role

Eorl Crabtree has left Huddersfield Giants after 25 years with the club and the Super League legend has now confirmed his new role.

It was announced earlier this week that Crabtree would depart the Giants, whom he joined in 1999, debuted for in 2001 and played for until 2016, before taking on an off-field role when he hung up the playing boots.

That means his exit comes just over 25 years after he first linked up with the Super League side and his newest venture has now been confirmed.

Crabtree, who had been working as a club ambassador for Huddersfield, will become the Managing Director of League One side Midlands Hurricanes.

The League One outfit confirmed Crabtree’s appointment as they revealed that he will start his role on Friday 17th January, less than a week away.

It marks a major change for Crabtree who has been synonymous with Huddersfield Giants and Super League throughout his career – having played 424 times for the club.

Super League icon Eorl Crabtree lands new role in rugby league

Excited to announce I’ve joined @HurricanesRLFC as Managing Director!

This is a fantastic opportunity to help drive the club forward and play a key role in growing rugby league in the region.

Looking forward to the journey ahead! 🏉#MidlandsHurricanes #RugbyLeague https://t.co/LNwhegGOeH

— Eorl Crabtree (@BigEorl) January 10, 2025

The League One side released a club statement to confirm Crabtree’s appointment as they took to social media to reveal the news.

They posted: “We are thrilled to announce that rugby league legend Eorl Crabtree will join the Midlands Hurricanes as our Managing Director, effective next Friday (17 January 2025).

“Following discussions with our Chairman and friend Mike Lomas, he has decided to grasp the nettle after nearly a quarter-century of service so he can pursue a new and exciting opportunity with the Canes.”

Crabtree also commented on his appointment, confirming that it was a tough decision to leave Huddersfield after so long before asserting his belief in the project at the Hurricanes.

He explained: “After 25 unforgettable years with Huddersfield Giants making the decision to move on was challenging, but I couldn’t be more excited to embark on this new journey with Midlands Hurricanes.

“Under the leadership of Chairman Mike Lomas, the club embodies values that resonate deeply with my own and the club has clear and immense untapped potential. Together, we have an ambitious vision for the future — one that aims to elevate the Hurricanes to new heights both on and off the field.

“As Managing Director, my focus will be on creating pathways for emerging talent, forging stronger connections with the community, and driving the club toward sustainable success and becoming a prominent force in rugby league.”

Club chairman Mike Lomas also commented, stating: “Eorl and I have been friends for a number of years. Since his retirement from his playing career in 2016, we have remained close friends and I have witnessed his development off the field working within the commercial team of the Huddersfield Giants. Eorl was the main reason I sponsored the Huddersfield Giants shirt a number of years ago!

“Eorl and I have a shared passion on growing the sport of Rugby League. By working together we will be able to not only grow the profile of rugby league, but also ensure that young people are engaged in the sport and pathways are formed to access the sport. This is one of the Midlands Hurricanes’ top focuses.

“Eorl is a legend of the sport and I’m delighted, and excited, to welcome him to the Canes family. I am sure the fans will all give him a very warm welcome!”

“Everything we have heard from Eorl makes us very excited for his involvement with the club, and we’re sure every Canes fan will be keen to meet and welcome an icon of the sport to the club with open arms.”