It’s been a turbulent period at Hull FC but the Black and Whites are starting to find their feet and their club spirit once again as they’ve announced the hiring of club legend Gareth Ellis.
Ellis has been appointed to a role within the club’s Performance Department, something that Hull FC have confirmed tonight via a statement released on their website.
It read: “Hull FC are pleased to confirm the return of Gareth Ellis to the Black & Whites’ performance department, rejoining the club after a brief spell away from the sport.”
The 42-year-old had previously left FC to work for the charitable organisation Rugby League Cares but he is back at the club where he spent over a decade both on and off the field, marking his appointment as Richie Myler’s first since his hiring as Director of Rugby.
Hull FC look to club legend to kickstart new era
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There’s no doubt that Ellis’ appointment will be a popular one among Hull FC fans with the retired forward having played 127 appearances for the Black and Whites, as well as serving in multiple off-field roles.
It might not be the appointment that FC fans were craving with the club still without a head coach after Tony Smith’s sacking but it’s certainly an appointment that marks the intent of Richie Myler and the new direction.
Ellis knows what it is like to represent Hull FC and he’s a man who will do so with pride, something that several players could learn from after some of the club’s poor performances so far in 2024.
On multiple occasions, the “desire” of players at Hull FC has been questioned by pundits and Ellis will certainly bring plenty of it in his new role.
What Gareth Ellis had to say about his new role?
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Ellis has penned a three-year deal which marks the intent of Myler in getting the right people on board but also the confidence that Ellis himself has within the club and their current rebuild.
Speaking on his appointment, Ellis said: “The last six months has allowed me to have some time away from the game and now I come back with a completely fresh mind.
“In my time working with Rugby League Cares, travelling across the country to visit other clubs, it has really filled me with that hunger to want to get back into elite professional sport at some point, but I probably didn’t appreciate an opportunity like this would come along so quickly.”
Specifically on his love for Hull FC, he explained: “Hull FC still holds a very special place in my heart. I still love the club. Even over the last couple of months, I’ve been watching games and shouting at the TV, which shows there’s still a great element of care there.
“To get the opportunity to return in a role that I feel will play to my strengths as a leader was really one that I couldn’t turn down.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back and working with the players. There’s a great opportunity to nurture some outstanding young talent at Hull – some of those we’ve seen make their debuts in recent weeks.”
Richie Myler reacts to his first hire as Hull FC Director of Rugby
Having been knocked back by Salford head coach Paul Rowley, Richie Myler has got straight back in the saddle to make his first appointment and he’s had his say on the hire.
The club’s Director of Rugby added: “As many of our loyal fans feel, Gaz is hurting about the current situation the club finds itself in. He cares deeply about what Hull FC stands for, and knows more than most what it means to pull on the black and white jersey.
“Having spoken to the playing group myself, it is clear that the respect that Gaz commands is of the highest regards, and it was immediately clear to me the value of him having a role within our group.
“We’re delighted to have him back on board and I’m excited to have him help us reconnect with our identity as a club going forward.”
✍️ Hull FC are pleased to confirm the return of Gareth Ellis to the Black & Whites’ performance department, rejoining the club after a brief spell away from the sport.
Welcome back, Gaz 🤝 🤩
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) April 26, 2024
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