Sean Long will be a success in rugby union, says Justin Holbrook

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook believes his former assistant Sean Long will thrive in his new role with Harlequins in rugby union.

Long, – who enjoyed 18 years with Saints as a player and coach – has joined rugby union side Harlequins with immediate effect to be an attacking coach.

Holbrook worked with Great Britain legend Long since he arrived at Saints in 2017, and thinks he will do well in the 15-aside code.

He said: “I would have loved to have kept him but the two codes in the country here don’t run parallel. I would have loved for him to stay for the rest of the year but I’m also really happy for him.

“He’s been assistant here for five years and he needs a new challenge. I think it’s great for him and I think he will do well. We will be fine moving forward and we wish Longy all the best in his new challenge in rugby union.

“He is going in there as a skills type coach to help with the attackers. I think with what he has done in rugby league as a player and now as a coach – he can help some parts of rugby union.

“He understands the game really well and the tactical side of it, which is important. He’s got an emphasis on the skill level which I like.

“He’s always got the rugby league brain which is great and he’ll be missed, that’s for sure.”

Ex-Halifax boss Richard Marshall has been appointed as Long’s successor.

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