James Lowes joins Leeds Rhinos coaching staff

Lowes was part of England's Four Nations coaching team

England assistant coach James Lowes has joined the coaching staff at Leeds Rhinos after leaving Super League rivals Warrington Wolves on Friday.

The 41-year-old, who spent the last four seasons at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, appeared in the 1994 and 1995 Challenge Cup finals for Leeds.

He said: "I am very excited about the future at Leeds.

"I have some fond memories of my time here as a player and I know they are a club with a bright future."

Lowes, who left Leeds in 1996 to join Bradford, began his coaching career under Brian Noble at Odsal in 2004 before moving to Salford the following season.

He joined Warrington as assistant coach to Paul Cullen in 2007 and took charge himself in a caretaker capacity from June 2008 to March 2009 before working under Tony Smith for the past two seasons.

But his departure from Wolves was announced on Friday, citing Lowes' desire to pursue other ventures.

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That has proved to be the chance to return to Leeds, and Lowes admitted he felt he was returning home.

"In recent years, Leeds Rhinos have led the way and we have an important job now to keep developing the club and maintaining those high standards," he said.

"I would like to thank Warrington Wolves for giving me the opportunity to coach at the highest level.

"I cannot wait to get started on Monday morning with the Leeds boys and beginning our plans for the 2011 season.

"I have been coming to Headingley for many years as an opponent but it really feels like I am coming home now that I am back at the club."

New Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott added: "James is someone who I know very well and a man who possesses all the qualities that not only made him a great player but also a fantastic coach.

"I know that he has always had a great deal of time for the Leeds club and we are delighted to have secured his services for our coaching staff, especially with pre-season training beginning for the majority of the squad on Monday."