Bradford coach James Lowes returns to the England fold
Saturday 8 August 2015 11:47, UK
Bradford head coach James Lowes is back as right-hand man to England boss Steve McNamara.
Lowes quit the role after switching codes with Leeds Carnegie in 2012 but has been re-appointed following Paul Deacon's move into rugby union from Wigan.
Lowes, 45, who like Deacon played alongside McNamara at Bradford, will assist his former team-mate at the international matches against France and New Zealand this autumn.
He said: "I thought my chance to coach at international level had gone so, when Steve called me a couple of weeks ago to discuss matters, I was thrilled to accept his offer.
"This is a massive honour for me and I am absolutely delighted to have this opportunity once again. To represent your country is a big thing, both as a player and as a coach.
"It is always great to work in different environments, and with different people, and I have a great working relationship with Steve."
Lowes was part of the England programme developed in 2010 and McNamara is pleased to be working with the former hooker again.
"James will hit the ground running when the England team get together," said McNamara.
"He was part of the coaching staff when we introduced the Elite Training Squad in 2010 so he is well aware of our standards, our values and what we want to achieve.
"James will join myself and Paul Wellens on the coaching team. Paul has contributed a great deal over the last two years and will now take on greater responsibilities within the England team.
"It's coming to that time of the season where international plans are taking shape and games are approaching quickly - it's exciting. James will slot into this role quite naturally and do a great job for England."
England's international schedule kicks off at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, October 24 with a match against France which is preceded by a three-Test series against the Kiwis.
