Bradford Bulls’ chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul last night spoke of the club’s plans for the future after the sport’s governing body ratified its change of ownership.

The Rugby Football League last night gave the seal of approval to the Super League side’s new board of directors, exactly a month after former boss Omar Khan dramatically stood down citing ill health.

Mr Hunter-Paul and the club’s new owners, Ryan Whitcut, Mark Moore, Ian Watt and Andrew Calvert, met RFL chiefs on Tuesday to discuss their business plan and provide proof of funding.

And, on the eve of the start of the Rugby League World Cup, the governing body approved their takeover.

Mr Hunter-Paul said the club could now move forward, announce new signings and develop the commercial side of the business – and hoped confidence in the club’s future would boost season ticket sales.

“It’s absolutely fantastic news,” he said.

“Obviously we always believed it was going to happen, but we’ve got to take our hats off to the RFL for speeding up the process.

“Our season ticket deadlines are coming up and this means fans can have that extra bit of confidence in the club and know that everything is in place to move the club forward. I’m over the moon the team has been able to take this step in the right direction and it is a really exciting time.

“There’s a real buzz around the place and we can’t wait to move forward.”

Mr Moore, who runs business Bedzrus, said formal ratification by the RFL meant the new regime could carry on with the process of “rebuilding the club”.

“I am sure there are exciting times ahead for all Bulls supporters who can now purchase their season tickets with full confidence in the knowledge that the club will be in what is setting up to be the biggest and most exciting Super League season in its history,” he added.

Blake Solly, the RFL’s director of licensing and standards, confirmed the change of ownership had been approved.

“We look forward to working with the new board as they work hard to improve the position of the Bulls,” he added.