The Rugby Football League (RFL) has ended its months-long search for a new chief executive by appointing experienced sports business executive Ian Nolan, who will officially take up the role on October 1.
Nolan joins the governing body from Science in Sport Group, where he has served as Chief Marketing Officer since October 2025. Before that, he spent seven years at Manchester United, overseeing the club’s global media network and playing a key role in expanding digital reach, fan engagement and commercial revenues.
With more than two decades of experience across sports, media and technology, Nolan has also held senior positions at Yahoo Sports, where he served as Director of Yahoo Sports between 2008 and 2016, and later led digital operations at Motorsport Network.
He succeeds former RFL CEO Tony Sutton, who stepped down in September 2025 after three years in charge. Since Sutton’s departure, the organisation has been led by interim executives, first Abi Ekoku and then Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial. Jones will continue in the interim role until Nolan officially assumes his position.
RFL Chair Nigel Wood described the appointment as a major milestone in the governing body’s long-term growth strategy, highlighting Nolan’s expertise in digital media, commercial development and sports rights.
“Ian’s skillset and extensive experience in the global digital market, including his influential seven years at Manchester United, will strengthen what we already have within the RFL,” Wood said.
He added that Nolan’s appointment represents “the first step in a bold and ambitious new strategy” aimed at restoring revenue growth after several challenging years. Wood also pointed to Nolan’s strong track record in commercialising sports properties and leveraging digital and social media platforms to accelerate growth in international markets.
The appointment comes as the Rugby Football League seeks to strengthen its commercial position, expand its digital footprint and unlock new revenue opportunities. Nolan’s experience in fan engagement, media strategy and global sports marketing is expected to play a central role in driving the organisation’s next phase of growth.