YORK City Knights assistant coach Jack Howieson has switched codes to join Sheffield Tigers RUFC as director of rugby.

Howieson joined the Knights as support to head coach James Ford in November last year after having been assistant coach at Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams, as well as head coach at Hemel Stags.

He stayed in those roles for around a year each while also running a sport and fitness company called @theacademy.

Though much of his career has been spent in rugby league, Howieson has four years' experience in union, having been skills coach at Sheffield RUFC until 2017.

This latest move sees Howie-son take the reins at a club whose first team competes in National League 2 North, at the fourth tier of English rugby union and one level above York RUFC.

"I'm really excited to take on a new challenge at Sheffield Tigers," he told his new club.

"After speaking to Paul and Jamie regarding the position, I was really impressed with their passion for the club and their vision for the future.

"The role of director of rugby will allow me to combine supporting the seniors squads and junior squads to provide a smooth pathway from minis through to the first team.

"I'm looking forward to meeting senior players, minis, juniors, coaches, volunteers and parents.

"Hopefully we can all work together to continue the traditions of this great rugby club."

Howieson's playing career began in 2000 with Sheffield Eagles, for whom he made 276 first-team appearances over the course of 13 years and whom he captained between 2005 and 2013.

He guided the Eagles to their first-ever Championship Grand Final victory in 2012 and announced his retirement in April 2013 before he was inducted into the Eagles' Hall of Fame.

The 40-year-old also has 11 caps for Scotland.