Ireland appoint Stuart Littler as coach

Ireland have appointed Swinton’s Stuart Littler as their new head coach.

Littler, 39, won 19 caps for Ireland during his playing days, scoring 10 tries, and succeeds Mark Aston who left after last year’s World Cup.

RLI chairman, Barry Coade, said: “We at Rugby League Ireland are delighted that Stuart Littler has accepted that role as coach for the European Championships.

“The team has been left in great hands and will be well up to the job after Mark Aston left the side not only well organised but also hungry.

“There will be a fire brewing in this team, so we are looking forward to what they can bring.”

Littler had a distinguished playing career for Salford, Leigh, Rochdale and Swinton, before taking the coaching reins with the Lions just over 12 months ago.