Neil Kelly

Doncaster Knights Director of Rugby Lynn Howells made a surprise addition to his coaching squad this week as Neil Kelly, a man who has the distinction of being qualified to international level in both codes of Rugby, joins the coaching staff of the South Yorkshire side.

Kelly, who’s previous coaching experience saw him with promotion with Widnes Vikings to the European Superleague and coach Wales RL, joined the club to work alongside the established due of Brett Davey and Lynn Howells after spending part of Pre Season with the Armthorpe Road side. The triumvirate of coaches share a common bond, success with their home town clubs as they cut their teeth in coaching. Howells coaching Pontypridd to success, Davey taking Beddau to Welsh league One East title and Kelly taking Dewsbury to a Grand Final.

Hailing from Dewsbury Neil played the majority of his career for his hometown club, with stints at Wakefield Trinity as well as Featherstone Rovers. As a Coach he not only steered Widnes to the Superleague but took his hometown side Dewsbury Rams through their most successful spell in their history over 5 years, reaching Grand finals and Trans Pennine Cups.

Crossing codes to Rugby Union Kelly settled as Defence Coach at Magners league side Ulster Rugby Union club , spending a successful 3 and a half years at the Irish side before taking up a position as head coach of RL Championship side Leigh Centurions as recently as 2009.

Neil Kelly told the drfc.co.uk, the Knights official website “The combination of a coaching duo I can relate to, some great facilities and a good bunch of players made this an easy decision for me. I look forward to bringing what I have to the table and taking part in the RFU Championship”.

Neil will be available for comment and interview on Friday 13th of August as the evening meet the players event kicks off from 7pm. He will be taking part in the Coaches Question and Answer session and available for individual interview by arrangement.