Ellis joins Knights coaching staff for 2027!

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As revealed by head coach, Mark Applegarth at our recent fans forum, York RLFC is delighted to welcome Gareth Ellis to the Knights’ coaching group!

The former Great Britain and England international will work as assistant coach alongside Chris Thorman, as the Knights prepare for 2027.

A legend in the game, Ellis’ playing career spanned 21 years and more than 400 career appearances.

Featuring more than 100 times for both Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield, he had two spells at Hull FC either side of three seasons at Wests Tigers in the NRL.

He retired for 18 months at the end of 2017, before coming out of retirement in 2019 to help the club during an injury crisis, before retiring again in 2020.

A Betfred Super League Grand Final winner and two time Challenge Cup winner, Ellis was also nominated for the Golden Boot in 2009 during his spell in Australia.

Since retiring, he took on numerous coaching and off-field roles at Hull FC, and since 2024, he’s been Player Development Manager.

Ellis has a spell age 17 with York Wasps in the late 1990s playing for the academy.

Ellis said: "I’m really pleased to be joining York, which feels like a full-circle moment having played for the academy back in 1997. Going back even further, my dad played for York in the late 70s, including a fixture against the touring Australian Ashes team, so there’s a real family connection to the club.

"I’m really looking forward to getting started. It’s an exciting time for the club, which has huge potential. They more than held their own in their maiden Super League season.

"I’m looking forward to working with Mark, who I know well having played alongside him at Wakefield in the early 2000s, as well as the staff and players, hopefully helping the club continue to grow and move forward.

"I’m excited to be back involved in coaching after spending the last few years in player welfare. That experience will no doubt help me in my role as assistant coach, and I’m looking forward to being part of what we’re building at York."

Head coach, Mark Applegarth is delighted to bring Ellis to the club.

"He's someone I know really well. I played some of my rugby with him at Wakefield Trinity.

"He's had a fantastic playing career, he's always led by example and it's exactly why we signed him as he moved into coaching.

"He's got a lovely presence about him and he's someone very relatable for the lads.

"He's ready for a new challenge and we're really delighted we've got someone of Gaz's experience. I'm delighted to get him working with us."

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