Justin Morgan takes charge of Kiwi Ferns

Former Hull KR coach Justin Morgan will take charge of the New Zeakand Kiwi Ferns through to the 2021 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

Morgan, 43, led the Robins to promotion to Super League in 2006 and remained at the club until 2011, before going to the NRL as assistant coach Canberra.

He has also been assistant at Melbourne, New Zealand Warriors and the male Kiwi international side.

NZRL GM, Motu Tony, said: “Justin is the ideal coach to lead us forward and develop not only our female players but the coaching and support staff that will be involved in the Kiwi Ferns.

“His vast experience as both a coach and player at professional and international level will bring valuable high-performance knowledge which will benefit the Kiwi Ferns and our women’s game in general.

“I look forward to working with Justin to prepare the Kiwi Ferns for the RLWC in 2021, grow the women’s game in New Zealand and prepare the next generation of players and staff capable of representing the Kiwi Ferns in the years to come.”

The Kiwi Ferns won the women’s World Cup in 2000, 2005 and 2008.

Morgan played more than 100 games in the NRL for Parramatta, Canberra and New Zealand Warriors before injury forced him to retire prematurely at the age of 26.

His coaching career began with a stint with Toulouse, who he famously led to the Challenge Cup semi-finals in 2005.