FORMER England football captain Tony Adams has been nominated to become the Rugby Football League’s new president.

Arsenal legend Adams will succeed Andy Burnham at the helm of the RFL next summer.

Adams has close links to rugby league’s welfare programmes through the Sporting Chance charity he founded in 2000 and says he is looking forward to championing what he calls “a brilliant sport.”

“It will be an honour to become the next president of the RFL,” he said.

“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.”

Carl Hall, who is currently chief executive of League One side Doncaster, has been chosen as the RFL’s new vice-president, with Chris Hurst joining the board as a non-executive director.

“It is a pleasure to be able to confirm these three excellent additions to our team,” RFL chairman Brian Barwick says.

“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.

“The charity has helped more than 400 rugby league players since the RFL entered into an official partnership with Sporting Chance in 2011, and Tony himself delivered seminars at Wigan and Hull earlier this year.

“The game has recognised the importance of mental health, for players and everyone else involved, and Tony’s election is another significant step in that regard.”