BRADFORD Bulls' legendary hooker James Lowes has been named as the new first team coach at Leeds Rhinos.

Lowes, who won two Super Leagues and a World Club Challenge as a player with the Bulls, takes up the role following the sacking of fellow Bulls legend Brian McDermott on Monday.

He will be overseen in his role by Leeds Rhinos iconic former captain Kevin Sinfield MBE, who has been named as the club's new Director of Rugby.

It is Lowes' third appointment as head coach in rugby league, following spells at Warrington Wolves and the Bulls, and also coached rugby union's Yorkshire Carnegie last season before taking up a role in the Rhinos' backroom staff. 

Speaking on his new role, Kevin Sinfield said: “I am delighted and honoured to be offered the chance to return to my club.

"To follow on from Brian McDermott is a huge challenge but one I am excited about. Brian will be remembered as the most successful coach the club has ever had and his record speaks for itself.

"I enjoyed playing under him and our task now, as a club, is to take the legacy he has helped to nurture and move it forward with a new generation of players.

“I am looking forward to working with James Lowes again. Jimmy is an excellent coach and one of the most forward thinking coaches in the game and someone who knows this group of players well."

The club's first game under its new leadership is on Sunday away at Castleford Tigers, the team the Rhinos beat in the Grand Final at Old Trafford last season to be crowned Super League champions.