Stuart Lancaster helps out Hull KR coach

Chris Chester has revealed a perhaps unlikely source of support as he embarks on his journey as head coach at Hull KR.

England rugby union national team coach Stuart Lancaster was Chester’s PE teacher at Kettlethorpe High School, in Wakefield.

Chester, 35, received a text message from his old teacher when he was appointed by Rovers last week.

He is pleased that he can call on Lancaster’s experience as a man manager to help him navigate the stormy waters of Super League.

“I had a nice text from Stuart shortly after I got the job,” he told the Hull Daily Mail.

“He told me to stick to what I believe and stick to my philosophies and if I do that, then I should do well.

“I met him before Christmas and he knew I wanted to be a head coach.

“I picked his brains on a few things about man-management and things like that.

“He certainly helped me a hell of a lot and gave me plenty to think about.”

Chester has also revealed that he received messages of support from the coaching team at cross-city rivals Hull FC, too.

They were not the only people to wish him well, either, as the St Helens and Wigan coaches also contacted him following his appointment.

“I’ve had texts off Lee Radford and Andy Last,” he added.

“We’ve kept in close contact over the years and they wished me the best of luck.

“I’ve had some great support including some messages from Super League coaches like Nathan Brown and Shaun Wane.

“It’s great I’ve got these friends in the game and they’ve shown me their support.”