Leeds Rhinos: Gary Hetherington confirms Australia search for new head coach

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington says he will travel to Australia to continue the search for the club’s new head coach.

In an open letter to fans, Hetherington has shared his plans in search of a replacement for Richard Agar.

The Leeds boss confirms that he will meet potential candidates Down Under, while also continuing the search on home soil

Agar, 50, resigned as the club’s head coach earlier this month, with former player Jamie Jones-Buchanan currently in charge as interim-boss.

The Rhinos fell to a 40-16 home defeat to Castleford in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup. They have recorded just one win in their opening six Super League fixtures so far in 2022.

Former London Broncos boss Danny Ward was the favourite to become the next coach at Headingley Stadium. However, Hetherington has confirmed the club’s search expands to Australia.

Hetherington issues open letter to Leeds fans

He wrote: “Long term, we find ourselves in need of a new head coach. At Leeds, that appointment carries many unique opportunities and the ideal candidate will offer both coaching expertise but, perhaps as importantly, be a leader with a vision for how this team will evolve and become the Champion side we know it can be.

“I believe this appointment is as important as my decision to bring Tony Smith in back in 2003. In contrast, back then we were challenging for honours on all fronts but needed to go to the next level with a new appointment.

“To that end, we have begun an exhaustive search both at home and abroad. This weekend I will travel to Australia to meet a number of potential candidates to speak to them in person and further advance our search for a new head coach.

“We have worked hard in recent years to develop and secure a group of talented, young players and this appointment will be crucial in allowing them to fulfil their potential.

“I fully understand the frustration and disappointment that all our supporters are feeling at present. Having dedicated the last 25 years to re-establishing the club as a force in the game, I share those frustrations. But I would ask you all to give Jamie and the team your support as they aim to get themselves back on their feet and we can start to move forward in the coming weeks.”

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