CASTLEFORD TIGERS have appointed Luke Robinson as an assistant coach.
There is continued uncertainty over head coach Ryan Carr, who hasn’t been in position since last Tuesday and will again not be in attendance for Friday’s away fixture at Hull FC.
Reports suggested Carr had been stood down pending an investigation, although Castleford said the ex-Featherstone Rovers boss was stood down for “personal reasons”.
Director of rugby Chris Chester, who is currently lending his experience in a coaching capacity, said earlier on Thursday that that Carr’s future should be determined “over the weekend or the start of next week”.
Assistant coaches Scott Murrell and Rob Nickolay are also currently working with the side, and will be joined by former Huddersfield Giants boss Robinson.
A long-serving assistant at Huddersfield, Robinson stepped into their top role in July 2024, initially on an interim basis, but left the club in March after losing the opening five league matches of this season.
Tigers owner Jepson revealed Robinson’s appointment in a statement to supporters which also apologised for the limited information given surrounding Carr’s absence.
Jepson said: “On behalf of myself and the board of directors, we apologise to all of our fans for the lack of communication regarding this delicate situation.
“It is highly frustrating for all concerned and we will share information as and when we are able to do so.
“To support our efforts on the field, we can confirm that Luke Robinson will join Castleford Tigers as an assistant coach with immediate effect. The former Huddersfield player and coach brings a wealth of experience and will support our efforts going forward.
“For the record, we can confirm that Luke will not be joining as the head coach.
“We are working really hard in the background to try and finish the season on a high. We have had to deal with a lot in a difficult season to date.
“To add to this, our CEO Danny Wilson has been seriously ill in hospital for the last three weeks, Danny leads multiple areas of our business, and this unfortunate position has left a huge hole in our team. We are all supporting Danny and his family and wish him a speedy recovery.
“As the chairman and a board of directors, we are united in our approach and we have the club’s best interests at heart.
“Can I please ask that all of our fans get behind our coaches, players and staff and support this great club.”