Skolars name Mbu as new coach

London Skolars have appointed former youth product Joe Mbu as their new head coach.

Mbu, 26, started his playing career with the Skolars before moving on to London Broncos where he made more than 100 appearances in Super League. He spent a short spell with Doncaster in 2007, making 10 appearances, before returning to the Skolars for a loan spell in 2009.

He succeeds James Massara, who he worked under as assistant coach last season, as Skolars recorded a tenth placed finish.

Skolars’ club chairman Hector McNeil told the club’s official website: “We’re delighted to appoint Joe. It’s great to see one of the first players to come through our junior development step up into the Head Coach role. Joe has played at the top level of the domestic game, having risen through the ranks. His experience both as a player at Super League level, and as assistant coach this season, will be invaluable in developing our club”.
 
“We showed something of our potential towards the end of the season, but we now need to kick on and realise that potential. He will also be a brilliant role model for the youngsters in the area.”

During his academy playing days, Mbu spent time at Huddersfield and Leeds ahead of his Super League debut with London in 2003.