Bradford Bulls’ co-owner Ryan Whitcut has been forced to quit the rugby league club after failing the sport’s governing body’s fit and proper persons test.

Mr Whitcut, who became co-chairman and a major shareholder of the Super League outfit in September, last night spoke of his “disappointment” as he confirmed he had stepped down from his role after discussions with the RFL.

It is believed Mr Whitcut failed to meet the governing body’s criteria because of his involvement with eight dissolved companies.

Under RFL rules, an “influential person” at a rugby league club must not have been involved with two or more companies that have entered an “insolvency event” in the last ten years.

RFL director of licensing and standards Blake Solly yesterday confirmed Mr Whitcut, who first joined the business as general manager last year during Omar Khan’s reign, had failed the mandatory test.

“He was afforded an opportunity to appeal or seek a dispensation from the operation of that test but declined to do so,” he said.

“I just want to thank him for his contribution to the club since he came on board in 2012.

“The remaining board members are working very hard and we are assisting them where we can.

“At the moment the business is looking like it’s moving in the right direction.”

It is not clear how Mr Whitcut’s departure will affect the club’s financial position.

He had previously told the Telegraph & Argus the new regime would ensure former owner Mr Khan would get “every penny” of the £1 million he invested in the club back.

The Bulls yesterday said Mr Whitcut’s co-chairman Mark Moore was in place as chairman alongside board members Ian Watt, Andrew Calvert and chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul.

In a statement, Mr Whitcut said: “I am stepping down from my role at the Bradford Bulls after conversations with the governing body of the RFL and, although I am disappointed, I am confident that the new team I brought together will help the club move forward and take it back to where it belongs as an industry leader.

“I have enjoyed the last 18 months involved here and made a lot of new friends, but I have a new journey ahead of me now and I wish everyone the best of luck as the Bulls move forward and go from strength to strength.”

e-mail: ross.heppenstall@telegraphandargus.co.uk