Following the departure of Leeds Rhinos legend Danny McGuire to Castleford Tigers, Hull KR have confirmed Rhys Lovegrove as the club’s new Academy Head Coach ahead of the 2024 season.
Rhys joins the club having recently helped guide London Broncos to promotion to the Betfred Super League as assistant coach.
The former front rower was a fan favourite during his playing career at Hull KR, making 160 appearances and scoring 16 tries across his 8 season stint at the Robins.
Rhys became a popular figure during his playing days, playing anywhere in the pack when called upon, and known for his 100% effort which he’ll bring to the Academy squad next season as Head Coach.
Since retiring in 2016, Rhys Lovegrove had spells on the coaching staff at Bradford and Doncaster before joining Keighley as an Assistant Coach in 2019.
During his time at Keighley, Rhys rose to the position as Head Coach. The 36-year-old is remembered for leading the Cougars to an undefeated campaign in 2022, securing promotion to the Betfred Championship.
Speaking on Lovegrove’s appointment, Hull KR’s Head of Academy, Jason Netherton, shared his delight on reuniting with his former teammate:
“It’s a terrific appointment, you only have to look at what Rhys has done as Head Coach of Keighley, and most recently at London Broncos to know what he’ll bring to our young lads in the Academy.”
“Having spent eight seasons with him as a player at Hull KR, I know his outstanding attitude and work ethic towards the game will be invaluable to our junior pathways. I’m excited to be working with Rhys again.”
Lovegrove outlined his new role as an important new chapter in his coaching career:
“I really wanted this to be the next stage of my career. I wanted to work with youth more, and really cement that pathway at Hull KR.”
“The way I coach and like to deliver, it certainly looks towards that development model so I’m really excited to progress that and hopefully play a part in the future success at the club.”
It remains to be seen whether the club replace McGuire as assistant coach and who with.
