Former Bradford Bulls chief executive officer Gary Tasker will join Aviva Premiership club Sale Sharks next month as commercial director.

He joins the Sharks having also previously worked as director of community and Marketing at the Rugby Football League and general manager of Superleague Europe Ltd.

Tasker will be responsible for the commercial strategy at Sale, with specific emphasis on sponsorship, corporate sales, business development and developing non-matchday events.

Sale’s chief executive officer Mick Hogan said: “Gary’s appointment will be key to a lot of aspects of our off-field development and growth.

“I’m delighted that he has accepted the offer to join the club as his experience and success over the past 25 years in professional sport is second to none.

"I know he will bring vision, excellent organisation and a great work ethos to our existing commercial programmes.

"We are looking forward to him having an immediate positive impact as we continue our job of re-building this club on and off the field.”

Tasker said: "I am tremendously excited by the challenge ahead at Sale Sharks.

"From speaking to Brian Kennedy and other board members, the ambition and desire for success is evident throughout the club.

"I now look forward to playing my part in providing a strong commercial programme that will enable the playing department to recruit the best players, coaches and support staff.”