Workington name Leon Pryce as new head coach

Leon Pryce has been appointed the new head coach of League One club Workington.

The 36-year-old former England international retired as a player in May and now takes over at the third-tier club after signing a two-year deal.

He replaces Dave Clark who stepped down at the end of the season.

Town chairman Garry Mounsey said: "We're delighted to have recruited someone of Leon's stature in the game.

"He enjoyed an outstanding playing career and is one of the most respected figures in modern-day rugby league.

"We were all impressed with Leon's vision for the club and it goes without saying that we share his ambitions. He is very articulate and has a deeply impressive knowledge of the game.

"We are confident that he will have the team playing a brand of rugby that will be very popular with the fans.

"After a season of rebuilding in 2017, we are keen to move forward again."

This will be Pryce's first professional coaching role, following a successful career with his home-town club Bradford, as well as other Super League sides St Helens, Catalans Dragons and Hull.

In all, he won four Super League titles, five Challenge Cup winners' medals and three World Club Challenges.

Pryce added: "It's a great move for me and it's good to get a chance in coaching. I've only been retired for six months so it's nice to get the opportunity so early.

"It's maybe a little sooner than what I expected to get my first coaching job but I think it's the right opportunity for me.

"It's a good level for me to start at too and a good club in Workington."