York City Knights name Dave Woods as director of rugby

Woods has also coached Great Britain Under-18s

York City Knights have named Dave Woods as the new director of rugby.

The former Castleford and Gateshead coach takes over the role which was held by James Ratcliffe before he became head coach.

General manager Ian Wilson told BBC Radio York: "We felt it was important to have that little bit more experience and knowledge amongst the coaches.

"We feel that it will be a great appointment not just for this year but hopefully for next year as well."

Wilson added: "He'll be able to work with the existing coaches, James, Chris (Thorman) and Mick (Ramsden) to improve them as well and obviously improve the performance of the team for the rest of the season.

Woods has coached both Castleford and Gateshead to promotion and he joins the Knights with immediate effect until the end of the 2011 season.

The Australian will be responsible for player recruitment, development and team selection in consultation with the current coaching staff.

He will also manage the playing budget and coach development.

Wilson said: "We feel we've got players here capable of winning this division or certainly being in the top two.

"Hopefully with a little bit more experience on the coaching side - and that's with no disrespect to the people we've currently got here - we feel Dave will add to that. He's not going to come in and replace that."

The Knights have also confirmed they are in talks with Neil Thorman about returning to the club.

Wilson said: "Neil was here in 2005 and he found it difficult to get into that side.

"But since then he's gone from strength to strength and was part of the Gateshead team that got promoted in 2008.

"He played in the Championship every week last year. He's a top player. And being Chris's brother that may help us a little bit as well getting him to come."