HULL FC have unveiled Richie Myler as the club's new director of rugby.

Myler announced his retirement from rugby after an 18-season playing career this lunchtime, amid a long-term elbow injury sustained in York Knights' Betfred Championship opener at Doncaster last month.

He scored twice in three appearances for Andrew Henderson's side, and made his 400th career appearance in their AB Sundecks 1895 Cup quarter final against Oldham on March 5.

However, with Myler the Knights' marquee signing at half-back, the club will likely have to dip into the transfer market to strengthen in the position, which has seemed to be cursed over recent seasons.

The 33-year-old had been strongly linked with a move to the Black and Whites following Tony Smith's exit last week - with the club having won just one of their seven Betfred Super League matches so far.

Owner Adam Pearson has now looked to Myler to help turn the club's fortunes around, though pundit Robbie Hunter-Paul labelled it a "baptism of fire" and Salford Red Devils' Ryan Brierley added: "It’s a crazy one. I would be interested to see what qualifications Richie has for leading a massive club like that."

Knights head coach Andrew Henderson himself seemed to be unaware of the move as recently as yesterday, labelling speculation as "paper talk" during his post-match interview following their 50-6 defeat to Wakefield Trinity.

Myler thanked York RLFC chairman Clint Goodchild for his understanding of the move, which he believes was "too exciting to turn down".

He said: “I would like to say thank you to York Knights and especially Clint Goodchild for the recent opportunity the club gave to me and in understanding and supporting the reasons for my departure to take on the role of Director of Rugby at Hull FC.

“Rugby League has been my life since being four-years old, however, with a few unfortunate injuries in the last nine months and the sudden opportunity that has arisen to work with Adam Pearson at Hull FC is simply an opportunity too exciting to turn down.

“Hull FC is a huge Rugby League club steeped in history, with a truly loyal fan base. There is no shying away from the fact that the club has lost some of its identity on the field with recent performances.

“The word rebuild has been mentioned to me over the last few days and whilst I understand the task in front of us I’m already tired of that phrase. The club has many promising young players on the books who clearly have a big future at the club and it’s vital that we develop and retain them. 

“We also need to add more quality with experienced players and that will form a major part of my role. I am genuinely excited by the task ahead as we all look to pull together and once again seek to restore the club’s fortunes on the pitch.”

Hull FC chairman, Adam Pearson, added: “We are pleased to welcome Richie to the club to undertake a new role as Director of Rugby.

“He brings vast experience from a successful playing career and has demonstrated a clear hunger and ambition to be successful in his new off-field career.

“He has already got to work at the club with our coaching staff and players, and is actively involved in the process to find our next head coach. We are excited to see the contribution he can make to Hull FC."