Ex-Arsenal centre-back Tony Adams named as president of Rugby Football League

Former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams has been named as the Rugby Football League's new president, the sport's governing body has announced.

Adams, 52, who has forged close links with the RFL through his Sporting Chance charity, will replace Burnham next summer.

Despite his work with the RFL, Adams has no professional experience of rugby league and his appointment has come as a surprise.

'It will be an honour to become the next President of the RFL,' said Adams.

'I am passionate about working with everyone in the sport to raise the profile of mental health, wellness and resilience, for players and for everyone in rugby league.

'I'd like to play my part in championing this brilliant sport on the national stage.'

RFL chairman Brian Barwick said: 'Tony Adams is known and respected throughout sport and beyond, not only for his outstanding playing career with Arsenal, but more recently for his pioneering work with Sporting Chance.'

'Tony Adams MBE has been nominated to become the 29th president of the Rugby Football League in 2019,' an RFL statement read.

'The former Arsenal and England captain, who has become closely linked to the game's welfare programmes through the Sporting Chance charity he founded in 2000, will succeed the current president, Andy Burnham, next summer.'