The Bulls have broken new ground with the appointment of a first female director.

Kate Hardcastle, a lifelong Bradford fan and award-winning businesswoman, will join owner Omar Khan on the board of the Super League club.

Hardcastle, who grew up on the terraces of Odsal and hailed as a potential “Karren Brady of rugby league”, spoke to the Telegraph & Argus in September about her desire to help boost the club’s brand.

She has won over 20 professional awards for her marketing, media and charity work, including the Outstanding Business Woman in Yorkshire & Humberside.

Hardcastle, born in Huddersfield but raised in Bradford and owner of the charity Dreamgirls, first spoke to the Bulls about helping the club after news of the financial crisis broke in late March.

Today she was confirmed as a non-executive director, much to the delight of honorary chairman Gerry Sutcliffe.

The former Sports Minister said: “We are delighted that Kate is joining us and is a welcome knowledgeable and successful asset to the new team at the Bulls.

“Her results, drive and innovation are known and respected worldwide.”

Hardcastle will focus on developing the Bulls brand and building up the club’s fanbase amongst families and children as well as creating new opportunities for women in rugby league generally.

She said: “I have grown up with the team and the sport and I would only ever want to add value, to focus the team and to get the Bulls back to a position of strength.

“I look forward to having the support of the club and fans as we venture into new and exciting territories.”