Sport

Former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams has been named as the Rugby Football League's new president, the sport's governing body has announced.

Adams, 52, who has forged close links with the RFL through his Sporting Chance charity, will replace current president Andy Burnham next summer.

"Tony Adams MBE has been nominated to become the 29th president of the Rugby Football League in 2019," an RFL statement read.

"The former Arsenal and England captain, who has become closely linked to the game's welfare programmes through the Sporting Chance charity he founded in 2000, will succeed the current president, Andy Burnham, next summer."

West Ham have taken up an option to extend the contract of captain Mark Noble - tying the midfielder to the club until 2021.

Noble, 31, came through the ranks with the Hammers and made his debut in 2004, going on to make 446 appearances for his boyhood club.

The former England Under-21 international has started the last three matches as Manuel Pellegrini's side picked up nine points from their Premier League games.

"It was an option in my contract that I signed a few years ago now, and it's an extra year, which is fantastic for me and my family," Noble told the club's official website.

"I've been at this club all my life - I've always said I wanted to be at this club and I think we're moving in the right direction, so it was the right time to do it."