Rugby League: Leeds recruit McGahan to assist Bell

Rugby League

Leeds have appointed another former New Zealand Test captain, Hugh McGahan, to work alongside their new coach, Dean Bell, writes Dave Hadfield.

McGahan will be designated as Bell's assistant, but will take charge of many matters off the field. Unlike Bell, who must first complete his commitments with the Auckland Warriors, McGahan, who is on the board of the Sydney City Roosters, will be able to start work before the new season begins in August.

Bell had been earmarked to work alongside Doug Laughton, who resigned suddenly on Monday. "Hugh is the man Dean wanted and they should work very well together," said the Leeds chief executive, Alf Davies.

Clubs have voted to keep the overseas quota at three, instead of reducing it to two this year as planned. More significant could be the fact that, for the first time, rugby union players, as well as players from developing league nations, are specifically excluded from the quota.

That can only make it easier for English clubs such as Leeds and Wigan to make room for Jonah Lomu.