England Community Lions are delighted to announce the appointment of new coaching staff.
England Community Lions Women will be led by Head Coach Peter Grayburn from Hull Kingston Rovers. He will be ably assisted Jack Coates from Hull FC. These roles begin with immediate effect in preparation for a game against Ireland at Wigan St Patricks on 4th November. Lions would like to place on record our thanks to previous coach Thomas Brindle who left to take on the Wales Women's Head Coach role and assistant Glenn Swailes.
New Open Age Men's Head Coach, and Assistant, and Under 19s Head Coach and Assistant have also been revealed with these roles beginning on 1st January 2023.
Current Lock Lane Head Coach Paul Couch will head up the Open Age having previously been in charge of the U23s with Lee Roberts and he will be ably assisted by Leigh Miners Rangers Gary McMahon, again no stranger to the Lions programme having worked as assistant to Allan Coleman with the Under 19s.
Gary Hewer will join the programme as Under 19 Head Coach and he will be joined as assistant by Stuart Simmons from Pilkington Recs. Both men have built good reputations with Distington one of the most respected sides in Cumbria.
The Lions would like to thank outgoing Open Age Coaches Richard Owen and Richard Knight for their service and also place on record their thanks to Allan Coleman and Gary McMahon who will leave their roles with Under 19s after September's European Championships.
Marc Lovering, Director of Participation and Development said, "The standard of applications was high. The quality of the coaches looking to get involved with the programme is testament to the hard work that has been put in by all the volunteers involved who continue to drive what is an exceptional programme."
"We are pleased to welcome all the new coaches on board and would like to extend our gratitude to the departing Coaches who have made a significant contribution during their time with us."
In addition to these appointments, the Lions Programme will also welcome several Men's Development Coaches into post, further strengthening our structure across the country.
Coming in to these roles will be Martin Ellis (Latchford Albion), Jonathan Mann (Newton Storm), Adam Lavin (Orrell St James), David Blinkhorn (Dalton) and Rich Garbutt (Castleford Tigers).
The programme will continue recruiting Women's Development coaches after the Rugby League World Cup.
