Abi Ekoku, the Bulls chief executive and former player, is to leave the club at the end of April.

Chairman Chris Caisley is expected to play a more hands-on role following the departure of his chief executive for the past three years.

Ekoku, who held the same post at Keighley Cougars before moving to the Bulls, said: "My time at the club has been a fantastic personal and professional success. With the club now resettled at Odsal Stadium and significant developments underway, the time is now right for me to focus on some individual projects of both a sporting and non-sporting nature."

And Caisley paid thanks to Ekoku's leadership over the years: "On behalf of the club I should like to thank Abi for his commitment and the part he has played in assisting the continuing process of building the club's brand, image and reputation both in this country and overseas.

"I am sure that whatever course Abi's career takes in the future it will be successful and he leaves with our best wishes."

Ekoku, who took up rugby league at the age of 27 and became a professional after just three amateur games, played on the wing for both the Bulls and the London Broncos.

He is also a former head of the Rugby League Professional Players' Association and a former British Olympics trial winner at discus.