LEIGH Centurions have announced that coach Neil Kelly has been appointed as director of rugby and that his assistant Paul Rowley will take over the duties of first team coach with immediate effect.

Leigh chairman Arthur Thomas commented: "The appointment of Neil Kelly as director of rugby is part of our three-year plan to ensure we tick all the boxes for our next engage Super League application."

Kelly added: "For some time I have recognised a need for this sort of set-up here at Leigh.

"With the best will in the world it is impossible to fill both rolls satisfactorily.

"I am very comfortable with Paul's appointment and am looking forward to us being a successful coaching team."

Meanwhile, Tony Beavers has joined the club's board of directors.

During his playing career, Beavers had spells with Bradford, Dewsbury and Keighley.

Following the retirement from his playing career, he became a rugby league referee and Rugby League Council Member.

He is also a former chairman of the Alliance committee.