BULLS forward Rhys Lovegrove has joined the club’s coaching staff after being forced into early retirement.

The 29-year-old last played for the club in a Challenge Cup defeat at Dewsbury in March, where he suffered a serious concussion.

Due to the head injury, the former Hull KR man, who played over 100 games for the Robins, has been forced to hang up his boots and now joins Bradford’s backroom staff.

Lovegrove will be involved in the Academy programme, primarily focussing on the strength and conditioning aspect of their development, as well as gameday involvement.  

“It’s unfortunate the circumstance that Rhys prematurely finished his career in his time with the Bulls as a player,” said head coach Rohan Smith.

“But Rhys has got a lot to offer as far as development of youth goes, plus he’ll be a part of our physical performance staff, so he’s got an opportunity to add some skills there.

“Rhys is extremely experienced and he’s been at several NRL clubs as well as playing Super League for a long time.

“He’s played under some great coaches and he’s seen a lot of good systems.

“Rhys has got plenty of knowledge and a real appetite for helping people, which is the area where he can bring the young players along to help them become a pro as quick as they can.”