Rugby League backs British

John Kear (c) coached the England World Cup side

A bid to unearth British coaches has been launched by the Rugby Football League.

The scheme is being introduced to combat the current dependence on overseas personnel.

All but two of the 12 head coaches in Super League are from Australia or New Zealand.

John Kear, who led England to the Rugby League World Cup semi-final before a hammering by New Zealand, is one of few leading British coaches.

Developing talent

But the League aims to produce 25 top coaches from the new Elite Coach XL programme, which is funded by Sport England.

"It is essential that British coaches have a clear pathway to the top of the sport," said director of coach education Ray Unsworth.

"This programme will help protect and develop the talent that already exists."

A separate scheme also aims to produce 160 modified games coaches and an additional 160 senior coaches.