Featherstone appoint long-serving centre as assistant

Steven Hughes

Pia Donkeys take on Featherstone in the Anglo-French Challenge in 2012.

Featherstone Rovers have announced the appointment of long-serving centre Ian Hardman as an Assistant to Head Coach Brian McDermott.

Hardman initially joined Featherstone as a player back in 2008. He went on to make 288 appearances for the Flat Cappers before retiring in 2018.

Following his retirement, Hardman went into coaching. He took charge of the Leeds Rhinos Scholarship side, before overseeing the rebirth of community side Ackworth Jaguars.

Earlier this year, he returned to Featherstone in an administrative role before making the move back into coaching.

Reacting to his appointment, Hardman said: “I’m really happy to be joining a new look Featherstone coaching team.

“I’ve been coaching for approximately six years and to take this next step into the professional game, at this club is a huge honour.”

Featherstone Head Coach McDermott added: “In the short time I have been at the Club, I have been struck by Ian’s detailed knowledge and understanding of the game.

“I see Ian as an integral part of the off field team that takes this Club back into Super League and I’m really pleased to have.”

Another piece of the jigsaw for Featherstone

The news comes hot on the heels of Jacob Doyle and Loui McConnell signing new contracts.

The club are building for another push for promotion to the Super League. Last season, they missed out on a place at the top table after defeat in the Million Pound Game.

They have also made a couple of signings already with the likes of Ben Hellewell, Brandon Pickersgill and Morgan Smith joining the club.

Read More: Time to embrace whoever makes the Super League spot their own