Hull Kingston Rovers have confirmed that former Australian national boss Tim Sheens will be the Robins’ new head coach from next season.
One of the most decorated and highly regarded coaches in the sport, Sheens boasts a wealth of experience at both club and international level having steered the Kangaroos to success in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and coached four Premiership winning teams in the NRL.
Further representative honours include leading New South Wales to a series win over Queensland and success with the City Origin side against Country, whilst the 65-year-old is also a three-time winner of the Dally M Coach of the Year.
Sheens is currently the Director of Rugby at Salford Red Devils but has been attracted by a more hands on role at the Lightstream Stadium and has signed a three-year contract with the club. His appointment as Head Coach is not dependent on the club’s league status in 2017 and he will take charge regardless of the outcome of the Super 8s Qualifiers.
Speaking to www.hullkr.co.uk, Sheens said: “The decision to leave Salford was not easy but my passion has always been to coach and so I thank Hull KR for such an opportunity.
“I’d also like to thank Marwan Koukash for giving me the chance to work in Super League.
“Given that the current competition is still in progress, for me it’s business as usual with Ian and the team at Salford before I take up my new post at Hull KR.”
Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell added: “Tim is a proven winner and hugely experienced at both club and international level. He is strong on discipline and culture, whilst his profile within the sport and connections back in Australia will boost recruitment.
“His appointment is the second piece in the jigsaw within our five-year plan and he’ll work closely alongside Jamie Peacock at the club.
“Part of Tim’s remit here will be to help nurture another head coach to take over when he leaves to give us the platform and continuity we need.
“Given the current situation the two clubs are in with the Super 8s Qualifiers, it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
