Hull FC: Richie Myler breaks silence and explains ‘heated’ clash with Sam Burgess

Hull FC Director of Rugby, Richie Myler, has been busy since taking on the role. As well as spearheading the search for Hull’s new head coach, Myler has also overseen a raft of signings at the MKM Stadium.

The highest profile of which was the capture of John Asiata from Leigh Leopards. FC announced the deal on the verge of their Super League clash against Warrington Wolves last weekend.

However, an altercation between Myler and Wolves head coach, Sam Burgess, overshadowed the game. Due to an error with the teamsheets, Warrington had an interchange removed.

This incensed Burgess, who slammed the decision after the game. Burgess stated that it caused a risk to player welfare.

Cameras caught an altercation between Myler and Burgess in the tunnel after the game when the former England captain appeared to deliberately bump shoulders with Myler after a short exchange of words.

Now, almost a week on from the incident, Myler has spoken to the press in an attempt to clarify his role in the disagreement.

Myler denies Hull FC were responsible for loss of interchange

After the game it was reported that Hull had refused Warrington’s request to change their teamsheet. The Wolves wanted to replace Connor Wrench with Adam Holyord in their match-day squad. Myler has now denied that this is the case.

“I wasn’t even the one who flagged up that they’d named somebody in the squad that wasn’t. I don’t fully understand what happened or whose fault it was.

“I just got approached by the match commissioner and then, ultimately, by Sam Burgess who was very heated and animated before the game.

“I just said I have no idea what you are on about. I understand what he’s saying about player welfare and asking them to go down from eight subs. But that’s a bigger conversation that’s above my role.”

Myler states he has “no hard feelings”

Myler believes a miscommunication around the role of the Director of Rugby led to Burgess’ reaction. Myler states that he was attempting to clarify his role with the Match Commissioner. He thinks this is what led to Burgess taking offence and then reacting when walking past Myler in the tunnel after the game.

“I didn’t say anything to a certain degree. There was a miscommunication around the director of rugby role. I think they [Warrington] believed that a director of rugby could have a say over how many subs you could use.

“I politely asked the match commissioner ‘was that my role?’ To which he said not. Sam took offence because I was saying ‘no’. On reflection, it’s not my role to say whether an admin’ error has happened and he can have his sub back.

“I think Sam took offence to that and that’s what it is. But there’s no hard feelings from me. I was asked a question: ‘would I allow them to have a sub back?’ To which I responded: ‘I don’t think I’m qualified to do that’. I know I’m new to this role, but I don’t think it’s my position to rewrite the rules of the RFL.”