St Helens confirm new CEO with RFL interim appointed to Super League club

St Helens have appointed a new chief operating officer after Mike Rush’s exit with the RFL interim CEO Abi Ekoku confirmed to the role.

Mike Rush stepped down from his role as CEO back in February, ending his 27-year association with the club and now just under two months later, St Helens have confirmed his replacement.

Just before Saints’ announcement, the RFL confirmed that interim CEO Abi Ekoku would step down and it’s now been confirmed that he is the man to replace Rush and take St Helens forward with the former England international set to commence his role later this month.

Ekoku had been appointed as the interim CEO of the RFL in October last year but his exit has allowed Saints to appoint Ekoku with a club statement confirming: “St Helens RFC have appointed the interim CEO of the Rugby Football League, Abi Ekoku, as CEO of the club, commencing the role in late April 2026.”

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St Helens appoint Abi Ekoku as CEO

It’s a significant appointment as predecessor Rush had held the role for 13 years before stepping away, however, Ekoku brings plenty of experience.

A former player, Ekoku was made Chair of the Rugby League Players’ Association upon retiring before spending time with Keighley Cougars, Bradford Bulls and Great Britian Rugby League’s Team Manager.

His most recent role with the RFL as interim CEO showcases transferable skills to take on the role permanently with St Helens and chairman Eamonn McManus spoke positively about the appointment.

McManus said: “Abi has a wealth of relevant experience in senior administration, elite performance, commerce, finance, marketing and media in sport, particularly in rugby league, stretching back decades.

“He will bring professionalism, maturity and experience to our club as we look to improve our commercial and sporting performances, as well as strengthen our brand and profile nationally and internationally.”

On his appointment, Ekoku said: “Excellence, resilience, ambition, and flair are the foundations that have made St.Helens the most successful club of the Super League era, and I feel profoundly honoured and excited to be entrusted with the opportunity to forge new pathways for engagement, growth, and achievement at every level.

“I can’t wait to embrace the incredible energy of our staff, supporters, and partners, new and old, as we collaborate to write the next chapter together.”

St.Helens R.F.C. have appointed the interim CEO of the Rugby Football League, Abi Ekoku, as CEO of the Club, commencing the role in late April 2026.

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— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) April 9, 2026