BRADFORD Bulls' fellow Championship rivals, Sheffield Eagles have confirmed that Mark Aston has been appointed to a new role within the club and that they will seek a new head coach for 2025.

The Eagles will continue supporting Aston during his battle to have his name cleared.

Former Sheffield head coach Aston has been suspended until April 2026 after being deemed to have breached the sport’s head injury protocol regulations during a Challenge Cup games against Wigan Warriors earlier this year.

However, he has signalled his intent to appeal that ban – which will now be heard by Sport Resolutions at a future date.

Love Rugby League confirmed on November 15 that former Bradford head coach John Kear had actually headed a letter of appeal which over a dozen coaches signed in favour of Aston.

Kear was Aston's head coach when Sheffield defeated Wigan in the 1998 Challenge Cup final.

The Eagles released a statement following the news that Aston would be appointed to a new role for the 2025 season.

It read: “Mark is currently appealing a coaching ban imposed by the Rugby Football League, which will be heard by Sports Resolutions.

“With that process continuing, and with the best interest of the future of the club at the forefront of discussions, Mark will move into a temporary varied full time role, which will see him working to raise commercial revenue and sponsorship for the club, attending events and acting as an ambassador for the club, and supporting the Eagles Foundation to establish a player pathway in the city whilst also supporting the network of volunteers within both the club and the foundation.”

That means the club's search for a permanent successor for Aston will now begin and in the long-term, he will become the club’s director of rugby, supporting the new man in the job.

“I am grateful to the club’s Board of Directors for agreeing to a temporary change in role and allowing me to continue my association with Sheffield Eagles,” Aston said.

“It has been a very challenging time for all, and I recognise that the club now needs some certainty over the head coach position. The players deserve certainty as do the supporters and sponsors and we all want what is best for Sheffield Eagles. I am looking forward to getting stuck into my temporary new role and continuing to take this club forward.”