Thorman set to swap Knights for Giants

York City Knights can confirm that Player Head Coach Chris Thorman will leave the club at the end of the season after agreeing to join Huddersfield Giants as assistant coach to Paul Anderson. 

Thorman starred for the Giants between 2005 and 2008 and during that time captained them in the Challenge Cup Final against St Helens. He joined the Knights from Hull FC ahead of the 2010 season as player assistant coach, and starred in the Grand Final win over Oldham later that season, putting in a man of the match performance. He then took over as player head coach at the start of the current season.

During his three years at the Knights Thorman has also played an important role in the Knights Community Programme and as Head Coach of the Rugby Development Centre at York College, where he has been a fantastic role model for children and young people. Commenting on the news Knights General Manager Ian Wilson said,

“While we are disappointed to lose Chris the opportunity to coach at the Giants is too good to turn down. When we signed Chris a position like this was always his longer term aim and it is pleasing that the club has been able to play such a key role in his development. We know that he will give us all he can for the remainder of the season and we wish him all the best for the future”.

The club will now turn their attention to finding a replacement and will hold discussions with potential candidates over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Knights received a boost this afternoon as it was confirmed that there will be no public inquiry into the plans for their new 6,000 seater stadium, with building work now set to commence in a matter of weeks.