Richard Hibbard: Ex-Wales and Lions hooker named Wales Rugby League chief executive

Richard Hibbard has been appointed as Wales Rugby League's new chief executive officer.

The former hooker, 40, won 38 caps for Wales in rugby union and played three Tests for the 2013 British and Irish Lions before retiring in January 2022.

Hibbard played one game for Wales Dragonhearts in league prior to beginning his 15-a-side career.

"Rugby league has always been important to me and I would've loved to have had a season or two as a player," he said.

"But now I'm presented with the next best thing - an amazing opportunity to bring awareness of the rich talent we have in our country.

"I want to grow the sport of league in Wales the right way, from the bottom up, and shaping the game that's right for Wales, creating opportunities both within the community all the way to elite levels, built on strong foundations.

"To do that we'll all need to work together. Integral to that will be strengthening relationships with our stakeholders and creating new partnerships and relationships that are mutually beneficial."

The new role for Hibbard, whose clubs in union included Ospreys, Gloucester, Dragons, Aberavon and Swansea, will be particularly focused on creating partnerships that can support the development of the sport at all levels, from grassroots to senior international sides.