The 40-year-old succeeds former Wigan and Great Britain loose forward Phil Clarke, who quit earlier this year.

Ekoku has been appointed until the end of the year and will join the Lions on their Tri-Nations tour in the autumn.

The former Keighley and Bradford chief executive said: "It is a great honour. It's nice to be back in the game."

Ekoku has also been chairman of the Rugby League Players Association.

The appointment was welcomed by Great Britain coach Brian Noble who worked alongside Ekoku at Bradford from 1999-2003.

"I know Abi really well," he said. "I actually coached him as a player and I know his qualities."