Richard Agar links up Leeds

Leeds have announced that Richard Agar will become the club’s new head of player and coach development.

The former Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and France head coach has spent the last year at St George Illawarra Dragons as head of player pathways.

Agar’s responsibilities will include overseeing the Rhinos Academy, scholarship and women’s teams along with talent identification, coach education and community club partnerships.

Leeds have created the senior management position for Agar and he will oversee the Leeds foundation’s rugby league development plan for the club which relates to elite young player and coach development.

Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “Richard is an ideal candidate for this new position given his vast experience both in Super League and over in the NRL.

“Our player development programme is vital to our progress as a club and having a person of the calibre of Richard overseeing that is a major boost for the Rhinos.”

Agar added: “I am delighted to be joining the Rhinos.

“I would like to thank everyone at St George Illawarra Dragons for the support they have given me and I am looking forward to this new challenge with Leeds.”