Ian Nolan has been appointed as the Rugby Football League’s new chief executive.

The 44-year-old, who will start his role on 1 October, has previously held roles at Manchester United and Science in Sport.

Tony Sutton stepped down from the position last September and it has since been filled on an interim basis by Abi Ekoku and then Rhodri Jones.

“Amid a field of top-class candidates, he emerged as the person best placed to take us forward during a pivotal time for the sport,” RFL chair Nigel Wood said., external

“There is so much to be proud of in our game here with the best-ever Magic WKND just a few days ago – a brilliant occasion attended by more than 80,000 people – a case in point.”

Ekoku stepped down from his position in April in order to take on the role as CEO at St Helens following the departure of Mike Rush in February.

Jones took over shortly after on an interim basis in a dual role alongside working as managing director of RL Commercial, and will continue in position until Nolan joins later this year.