FORMER Great Britain and England international Gareth Ellis has joined York Knights as an assistant coach.
He will work alongside Chris Thorman under head coach Mark Applegarth as a part of the club's preparations for the 2027 season.
Ellis, who played for York's academy in 1997, said: "I’m really pleased to be joining York, which feels like a full-circle moment having played for the academy back in 1997.
"Going back even further, my dad played for York in the late 70s, including a fixture against the touring Australian Ashes team, so there’s a real family connection to the club.
"I’m really looking forward to getting started.
"It’s an exciting time for the club, which has huge potential.
"They more than held their own in their maiden Super League season.
"I’m looking forward to working with Mark, who I know well having played alongside him at Wakefield in the early 2000s, as well as the staff and players, hopefully helping the club continue to grow and move forward."
Ellis is widely regarded as one of rugby league’s modern greats, with a 21-year career spanning more than 400 appearances for clubs including Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity, Hull FC and Australia’s Wests Tigers.
He won Betfred Super League and Betfred Challenge Cup titles and was nominated for the Golden Boot award in 2009.
After his retirement, Ellis moved into coaching and off-field roles at Hull FC, most recently serving as player development manager.
He added: "I’m excited to be back involved in coaching after spending the last few years in player welfare.
"That experience will no doubt help me in my role as assistant coach, and I’m looking forward to being part of what we’re building at York."
Head coach Mark Applegarth welcomed the appointment.
He said: "He's someone I know really well. I played some of my rugby with him at Wakefield Trinity.
"He's had a fantastic playing career, he's always led by example and it's exactly why we signed him as he moved into coaching.
"He's got a lovely presence about him and he's someone very relatable for the lads.
"He's ready for a new challenge and we're really delighted we've got someone of Gaz's experience.
"I'm delighted to get him working with us."
Ellis’ return to York marks a homecoming, not only for himself but also for his family, with his father having played for the club in the 1970s.
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