WIDNES VIKINGS have added an international dimension to their board with the appointment of Australian Brad Fussell, who has also taken a shareholding.

And the Championship club believe his Sydney location will help with player recruitment as well as bringing a new perspective to their marketing and business strategies.

Fussell is the founder and operator of Wanderers Australia, who co-ordinate international sports tours and travel programmes, and is a regular visitor to the UK.

His appointment by Widnes – who he has supported from afar, partly because of their cup-winning exploits of the 1970s and 1980s and partly because their black and white colours match those of his home club Western Suburbs Magpies – follows a period of due diligence by both the club and the RFL.

“I am honoured to have become a custodian of this great club as a shareholder, investor and now director,” he said.

“I have been in deep discussions confidentially with my fellow directors about coming on board for more than eight months, and have been watching intently at developments on and off the field.

“I hope that not only my financial contribution but also willingness to invest in a club I am passionate about is a sign of confidence in the current leadership and in the great work that (coach) Allan Coleman, his staff and the players are doing in 2026.

“I see a tremendous amount of opportunity here at the club to transform the Vikings back to a powerhouse of English Rugby League, as they were over multiple generations since 1895.

“To be a part of one of the original clubs who formed the Northern Union all those years ago is a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take on lightly.

“I hope my investment and some business and marketing ideas behind the scenes will benefit the club in the long term.

“I have a particular interest in getting local kids the opportunity to represent their local club and town, and continue to build on the pathways for young boys and girls to play for the Vikings.”

Widnes have been going well in the league and are through to the 1895 Cup final, playing London Broncos at the Halliwell Jones Stadium at Warrington on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.

Coleman’s side are chasing a tenth straight win in all competitions at home to Oldham tomorrow (Friday, June 26).

But the club recently lost a director in Andrew Horabin, who resigned in April, while general manager Tim Holmes is also leaving.