Danny McGuire to head up recruitment at Hull KR

Hull KR half-back Danny McGuire will retire from playing at the end of the year and become the club’s new Head of Recruitment.

McGuire, 36, is in his second season at KCOM Craven Park and will combine his playing time this season by heading up the squad’s incomings and retentions, before making the full transition in to the role for 2020.

He said: “I’m really excited and looking forward to a new challenge. I’ve only ever played rugby league so I’m excited for the next chapter in my life. I’m really grateful to Neil Hudgell (owner) and Mike Smith (CEO) for the opportunity. It’s something I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into.

“I’ve been speaking to the club for a few months now. Since announcing my retirement I’ve been planning for the future and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I was keen to stick around in a role and this one came around.

“Recruitment is going to be the main focus but I’m also going to be doing some work with the half-backs in coaching, the academy and the commercial department. It’s a really rounded role and as a player, to get an opportunity like this when you’re finished, there’s not many jobs out there like it so I jumped at the chance.

“It’s nice to know there’s something there secure for me after retirement but what I’d like to say is that my main focus is on playing, my performances on the field, because that’s what I’m getting paid for at the minute. My sole focus is on getting myself right, and the week-to-week performances. That’s definitely not going to get neglected but you always have to plan for your future.”