BEN COCKAYNE will leave his position as York City Knights partnerships manager after agreeing to become the Hull Kingston Rovers under 16’s head coach.

In June, the 35-year-old Cockayne announced his retirement from playing at York after requiring reconstructive surgery on his knee.

Since then the former Wakefield full-back has served as the club’s partnerships manager off the field before now moving to a coaching role at his old club Hull KR.

“It’s an opportunity for me to stay in the game and have a responsibility for the youth coming through at the club that I spent 10 years of my career playing at,” said Cockayne.

“Due to the commitments to this role I am no longer in a position to continue my off field role with York.

“It’s been a great 18 months to two years at York both on and off the field.

“I wanted to use this opportunity to thank you all for doing business with me & the club and being a huge part of the clubs recent successes.

“It’s been a great pleasure to know and meet all of you and many of you whom I’m sure I will stay in touch with outside of the game.

“The club are well and truly going places and you all have an amazing journey ahead with the club.”

York chairman Jon Flatman said: “Ben has been great for the club, both on and off the field, and his work with partners has been excellent.

“Of course, as a team we will continue to develop these links going forward.”

A statement on the York website added: “Everyone at the Knights would like to take this time to wish Ben well with his future coaching career at Hull KR – you’ll always be welcome back here Ben!”