York move for Woods

York have appointed Australian Dave Woods as their new Director of Rugby.

The former Castleford and Gateshead coach has joined the Knights until the end of 2011 and will be responsible for player recruitment, player development and team selection in consultation with the head coach and assistant coaches.

Woods has won both National League 1 and National League 2 with the Tigers and Thunder respectively, and will also be responsible for managing the playing budget within the contraints of the Knights board and for coach development.

Knights General Manager Ian Wilson said: “We are delighted to have appointed such a high quality candidate.
 
“Dave’s track record is a good as anyone in the Co-operative Championships and his experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the club.”
 
Woods learned the coaching ropes at the Penrith Panthers, working with current St Helens Coach Mick Potter and former Wigan and Parramatta legend Brett Kenny.
 
Ironically his first game in England was against the Knights whilst coaching Castleford and that season ended in triumph with a win against Whitehaven in the Grand Final to take the Tigers back to Super League.
 
Woods then moved to Gateshead where he achieved promotion in 2008 after turning the league table upside down. In more recent times Woods has spent time with St Helens and Great Britain Community Lions Under-18s.
 
Meanwhile York are also in talks with former Gateshead Star Neil Thorman, who is currently playing for French club Avignon. Any move will be subject to where Neil secures employment once he returns from France.