James Lowes returns to Bradford

Bradford Bulls have revealed that former star James Lowes is their new coach.

Lowes, 44, has been coaching rugby union Championship outfit Leeds Carnegie. In his eight years as a player at Odsal, he won three Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and a League Leaders Shield.

“We are absolutely delighted to have someone of James’ calibre in place as our new head coach,” said Bradford chairman Marc Green.

“As a board of directors, we recognise his talents, what he has achieved in the game, the names he has worked under and alongside in previous roles, and also what he achieved, last season, with Leeds Carnegie.

“Regardless of what division we play in next year, we believe James is the right man to drive this club forward and into a new era.

“We have been working extremely hard to ensure we have the right man for the job and are confident James can achieve great things here, both in the short term and in the long term.”

Chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul added: “James fully understands the importance of nurturing stars of the future, he recognises the need for talent to filter through from the bottom up.

“In the short term, James is aiming to get the very best out of the squad and will begin work with our players right away.

“Going forward, he is committed to piecing together and developing a full performance department solution, while aiming to return this fantastic club to its former glories.”

Lowes will now prepare the squad for his first test, a daunting trip away to Warrington Wolves on Sunday.