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.'
poulsteven
0
dats wat they call it corruption
Luiscarte
0
How does he keep getting jobs?
What, yellow???
Pogbalove
0
The shock is that the mayor of Manchester has or had the time to do both jobs Bit like the boss who is always too busy but when offered more money for more work can mysteriously ...... find the time after all Almost comical
abofeuy
0
Well Burnham didn't do much so prepared to give him a chance, its already grabbed the headlines
UUCall
0
If Clive Woodward at Southampton is any sort of template this will end in tears
kookiss
3
What a pick.. And Not a coincidence.. As English football is soooo close to rugby.. (kick and rush, park the bus... and the yellow cards.. Hopefully Adams can invite, Tony Pulis, Big Sam , etc.. to support him
Austinbob
0
Can't wait for the coaching dance off with the rugby league players
osatrab
0
Arsenal legend.Hope he's not back on the booze.
cookie111
0
Well that won't go down well. Poor choice for that position. Just no credibility . Very odd.
Garygroad
0
What message does this give?! Strange decision!
typhoonv
0
That's the end of the Super League as we know it then
outdoora
0
I assume its an unpaid position
Mkuchu
0
What a Pick.. As we all know, English football is soooo close to Rugby.. He will be a valuable asset, please include Tony Pulis, Mourine and Big Sam in your group... The Kick and Rush, Park the bus,...and more..
reasonable
0
Honorary position. Completely meaningless. Burnham did nothing.
LoveBVB
1
That will be an absolute disaster.
actually
1
Can't be a worse president than he was a manager!
urately
0
Omg how does he still get senior positions in sport ???
society
0
Honestly our sport is going down the pan.
typhoon
0
Tony Adams is a boring man I bet he was a lot more fun when he was on the sauce
Joshuaon
0
To be fair when he played under Graham we were a bit of a rugby team
criticism
0
This is an entirely rational decision made with wisdom and commmon sense...... said absolutely no one EVER!?..... what have I just read? Bonkers.
massively
0
How does he keep getting jobs?
yekdkmnrsz
2
Congs sir
Zehetuz
1
Congrats Mr Arsenal
emondorock
0
Wish we had another Tony Adams in todays team....what a legend...good and bad you got what you see...GL
hezaceiu
1
Congratulations SIR LEGEND Tony adam
baemuy
1
all the best in your new adventure Mr arsenal
sammy390
1
congratulation sir Adams.