“Too exciting to turn down” – Richie Myler’s first words after Hull FC appointment

Following the news that Richie Myler has retired from playing with immediate effect and joined Hull FC as Director of Rugby, Myler himself has spoken on what he will bring to the new role.

Myler, an England and Ireland international, made over 400 senior appearances and won two Challenge Cups as well as appearing in two Grand Final defeats.

He played over 100 times for both Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos.

Recently, he had been at York Knights in the RFL Championship, but his time there was interrupted by an elbow injury, which was announced as the reason for his retirement.

Speaking after being given the role, Myler said: “Rugby League has been my life since being four-years old, however, with a few unfortunate injuries in the last nine months and the sudden opportunity that has arisen to work with Adam Pearson at Hull FC is simply an opportunity too exciting to turn down.”

“Hull FC is a huge Rugby League club steeped in history, with a truly loyal fan base. There is no shying away from the fact that the club has lost some of its identity on the field with recent performances.”

What Myler will bring to Hull FC

Speaking on what the club’s future vision should be, he said: “The word rebuild has been mentioned to me over the last few days and whilst I understand the task in front of us I’m already tired of that phrase. The club has many promising young players on the books who clearly have a big future at the club and it’s vital that we develop and retain them.

“We also need to add more quality with experienced players and that will form a major part of my role. I am genuinely excited by the task ahead as we all look to pull together and once again seek to restore the club’s fortunes on the pitch.”

Hull FC have suffered a bad start to the season, with just one win in Super League and conceding a record number of points at this stage.

Head coach Tony Smith left the club last week.

Chairman Adam Pearson has stated that the Director will have the role of identifying “the next coach and indeed some interim players for us for this year”.