Former Great Britain forward Brian McDermott has announced his retirement as a player and joined the coaching staff of newly-promoted Huddersfield.

McDermott made 251 appearances for Bradford

The 32-year-old's decision brings to an end his 10-year career with Super League high-flyers Bradford, for whom he made 251 appearances.

He toured with Great Britain in 1996 and played in all three matches in the 1998 Super League Test series against Australia.

His last match was October's Super League Grand Final, and his retirement leaves captain Robbie Paul as the Bulls' longest-serving player.

"Moving away from Bradford is a massive wrench," McDermott said.

"But I made a decision at the start of 2002 that it would be my last season as a player because of the wear and tear on my body.

The players here are excited about him coming to the club Giants coach Tony Smith on McDermott

"At a push, I could probably have had one more season in Super League. But it was getting to the stage where my mind wanted to do things that my body couldn't."

McDermott, a former Royal Marine boxing champion, has accepted a 12-month contract as head conditioner with neighbouring Huddersfield.

Giants coach Tony Smith said: "It's a major, major appointment.

"He will help us out a lot with his experience, both of the game and of the physical side."