Leeds Rhinos have confirmed Ian Blease as their new Sporting Director with the Headingley club poaching him from Super League rivals Salford Red Devils.
The club revealed the news at a press conference, just two weeks after the announcement that they were looking for someone to take on the role.
Salford Red Devils have also confirmed Blease’s exit with a post on their social media.
That read: “The Club can confirm Ian Blease has left Salford Red Devils to take up an opportunity at Leeds Rhinos. We would like to thank Ian for his contribution to the Club over his 20-year association.”
Blease was previously Salford Red Devils’ Director of Rugby & Operations for seven years and has now made the move to Headingley.
Salford Red Devils have lost many big names, including Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers to his new employers, but their recruitment and ability to sell players on for fees has been largely praised for the past few years – during Blease’s tenure.
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Blease joins Leeds Rhinos: how they reacted
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Ian Blease said upon leaving Salford: “As my time at Salford Red Devils now comes to an end, I do hope everyone will understand my decision, for what for me and my family is a huge opportunity to join Leeds Rhinos as the Sporting Director.
“I have given my all for this club for over 20 years, and I feel now is the right time to seek something I have worked hard for.
“I do hope my contribution to the club has helped the club transition from what it was when I arrived, to where it is now.”
Showing his excitement at the new role, he said to Leeds: “It is a new era for the club. I think we can both learn a lot from each other with the goal of getting the club back to where it needs to be, at top of Super League and winning trophies again. ”
He also said, during the press conference, “There are levels within Super League, and Leeds has always been a significant club that I’ve admired from afar.”
Describing the role he’ll have, Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington said: “The new Sporting Director will focus fully on overseeing the Rhinos Rugby League Department and will provide support for the Head Coach, Management, staff and players who are all striving to improve our performance and results.
“We are competing in the most competitive Super League competition to date and the quality and depth of top-class management at most clubs has never been better.
“This can and does make a difference and whilst we are all facing real financial challenges, this is part of the Rhinos strategy to strengthen our Grade “A” rating and compete at the top level.
“The role required someone who has expertise in all aspects of our industry.
“Someone with outstanding personal skills, someone who could make decisions and someone who has financial acumen to be able to manage a rugby league budget.
“We had a number of high-quality applications and we’re delighted that the chosen one is Ian Blease.”
Blease will begin work for Leeds Rhinos next Monday.
