JIMMY Lowes has issued an apology for his “disgraceful rant” after last Saturday's defeat at Wakefield in the Million Pound Game.

The Bulls head coach launched a scathing attack on the structure of the game in a post-match interview on Sky television.

He then suggested in the post-match press conference that the Bulls’ failure to return to Super League could force the club to go part-time as he pointed an accusing finger at the Rugby Football League.

But Lowes has now admitted his emotions got the better of him and - almost certainly on the orders of chairman Marc Green - he has spoken to Bulls TV to retract his comments.

Lowes admitted he failed to handle the pressure surrounding last weekend’s game and has apologised to the Bulls’ board of directors and the RFL.     

Head coach Lowes said: “I just feel it right and proper that I explain the disgraceful rant I had on Saturday after the game.

“Irrelevant of my feelings about the structure, my failure to handle the pressure and the emotions surrounding the players after the game – they were obviously heartbroken as we all were – it is inexcusable straight after the game to have the rant and say the things that I said on Sky in particular.

“I just feel it’s right and proper to apologise to Marc Green, Steve Ferres and the board of Bradford Bulls but even more so the RFL for the hard work they have put in this season.

“Not only in the Championship and the Middle Eights but the Super Eights as well – they have put a lot of hard work in there.

“It was unacceptable for me to air my views in quite an emotional situation.

“Like I say, I make an unreserved apology to these people that were involved in that and the club itself.”

Wakefield counterpart Brian Smith was also critical of the structure after the game.

The Australian said: “I've tried to refrain from talking about this but, even though we've won, it's got knobs on it. All I can tell you is from within it's thoroughly debilitating.”

Lowes added in his apology: “I’d also like to apologise to Brian Smith, the Wakefield chairman (Michael Carter) and the players of Wakefield.

“Unfortunately I’ve not given them the credit they deserved.

“I thought they were fantastic and handled the pressure the best they could in that game.

“It was an unbelievably high-pressured game and they came out on top.

“They took their chances and played exceptionally well – they were a credit to their club and the game itself.

“Again, I do apologise for not giving Brian and his players the credit they deserve. I wish them all the best for Super League.

“Finally, I’d just like to thank the fans, particularly the members, who have supported us through thick and thin.

“It would have been an emotional day for them on Saturday and I know they will stick with us through thick and thin.

“I’m sure they have enjoyed the season and I’m sure they enjoyed the game.

“I would imagine to the neutral it was very entertaining and a pretty close game, so again a big thanks to them and long may they continue to support this club in the near future.

“So again, a massive apology to the people I mentioned earlier.”

Ironically, Lowes will spend the next few weeks employed by the RFL as part of England boss Steve McNamara’s coaching team for the three-match Test series against New Zealand.