Hanley's helping hand

Hanley: new code, new role, same Australian opposition

Rugby league legend Ellery Hanley has been chosen to assist with preparations for England's union players with the onset of the autumn Test matches against Australia, Argentina and South Africa.

The England boss Clive Woodward revealed on Wednesday the former Great Britain captain and coach will work on an 'informal basis.'

He is now set to join link up with another top ex-league coach - England's current defensive supremo Phil Larder.

Hanley, who masterminded St Helens' Grand Final triumph in 1999, has been on the Bristol coaching staff since May.

"Ellery has a superb pedigree as a player in rugby league, and he is enjoying his role at Bristol coaching rugby union," Woodward said.

Informal

"He will be with us on an informal basis, but it gives him the opportunity of working with all the England coaches, which will benefit Ellery in his development and England.

"I will review his contribution as a coach before deciding to what degree and level within the representative structure he could potentially work."

It is going to be a massive challenge for me to coach the best rugby union players in the country

  Ellery Hanley

Hanley relinquished his reponsibilities with the 13-man code earlier in the year following an unhappy end to his St Helens reign.

Woodward, whose squad are currently assembling for training each Monday in the build-up to facing world champions Australia on 18 November, has been impressed with his work at Bristol but Hanley is excited about his new duties.

"It is going to be a massive challenge for me to coach the best rugby union players in the country," Hanley said.

"The experience I have gained at international level, coaching rugby league, and the part-time work I've been doing at Bristol should prove to be of significant benefit to me, and hopefully the players.

"I know that Clive is keeping an open mind on my future involvement, and obviously, I will be doing everything I can to ensure that my contribution is a positive and productive one for the squad."

The announcement comes soon after league superstar Jason Robinson formally rejoined the union ranks with Sale, while his fellow Super League giants Apollo Perelini and Fereti Tuilagi are also preparing for 15-a-side careers.