Featherstone appoint Ryan Carr as new head coach

Featherstone have appointed Australian Ryan Carr as the club’s new head coach.

Carr, 30, has signed a two-year deal to succeed John Duffy, who left the club recently to join Championship rivals Leigh.

He coached New South Wales Cup side Mounties during 2018 and has also held coaching roles in both the Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs academy set-ups.

Carr said: ”I have known of the club and of the Championship for a long time now. I know it is a proud club with a lot of history and I have heard a lot good things about it.

“I know people who have come from Australia to play here and I know people who have played against Featherstone. And they have always said that they are really competitive and really hard to beat.

“For me, I thought it was a natural fit. I met with Mark [Campbell], he was out in Australia and I sat down with him and had a couple of meetings and we got along really well.

“So that was probably the main thing that sold it for me, with how well I got along with Mark, how we spoke about the area, the town and how big the club is here.

“I feel really privileged, I am really happy to be here and I am excited for the season.”

The appointment comes after Rovers chairman Mark Campbell flew out to Australia and held talks with several candidates.

Carr has already arrived in the UK and will be introduced to fans at a fans forum event next Wednesday.

Campbell said: “It is great to have Ryan join us at Featherstone.

“Although we had some coaches with real quality apply for the position from this country, we felt as a club that we needed someone with a fresh approach, especially as we had noted the success of a number of Super League clubs that have taken this route, notably St Helens.

“Ryan and I met up in Australia and I was really impressed with his ambition and enthusiasm to come over straightaway and get the team prepared for the forthcoming season, which is some commitment when you have a young family.

“The people he has worked with in the game are absolutely top draw in rugby league and all gave Ryan glowing references.

“I’m sure the players will respond to how Ryan wants to play the game and will also be refreshed by this appointment.

“There is a really good feel around the dressing room, despite the start of preseason without a head coach and I would like to thank Greg Stebbings and Paul March for doing such a good job over the past few difficult weeks.

“I now ask that supporters and everyone involved with the club get behind Ryan and the team, as we have a great season with some fantastic fixtures to look forward to.”