Huddersfield Giants Appoint Veteran Andy Kelly as Director of Rugby, Ushering in a ‘Revolution’
Huddersfield Giants have promoted long-serving staff member Andy Kelly to the role of Director of Rugby, marking the start of a ‘revolution’ at the club, as detailed in their recent announcement.
Kelly, who boasts an impressive playing career with over 300 appearances for Wakefield Trinity, Hull KR, England, and Yorkshire, has been involved with the Giants since 2014. Initially joining as the Head of Youth Development, the 64-year-old also spent almost five years working as a Regional Performance Coach for the Rugby Football League (RFL) in the North East.
“I am honoured and excited to be asked to take on the role of Director of Rugby at a time of change for Huddersfield Giants. I have a very good relationship with Luke Robinson, and I am fully aligned with the values, vision, and ambition we have for the Giants.”
A familiar figure at the John Smith’s Stadium, Kelly briefly took charge of the Huddersfield first-team in 2016 following the departure of former head coach Paul Anderson. In his new role, Kelly will work closely with the recently appointed head coach, Luke Robinson, and report directly to the club’s board of directors.
Retiring from playing in 1993, Kelly has enjoyed a diverse coaching career, including stints at the helm of Wakefield Trinity, Gateshead Thunder, Featherstone Rovers, Dewsbury Rams, and Ireland. Huddersfield has stated that further announcements regarding their squad and coaching team are expected as the club ‘backs the Robinson revolution’.
Robinson, who was appointed as the permanent head coach at the beginning of September, praised Kelly’s appointment, stating:
“I again thank Ken (Davy, Chairman) and the board for backing my view that this position will work well for us, and there’s definitely no one better qualified than Andy to do this. He’s already been a great help to me and the coaching team, and someone who I trust and respect enormously.”
Chairman Ken Davy echoed these sentiments, saying:
“I am delighted that Andy has accepted the role of Director of Rugby. We are incredibly fortunate at the Giants to have someone of the calibre and experience of Andy to take on this important task, and we wish him every success in the role.”
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