Former Bulls coach Stu Barrow has been appointed head coach of the England youth team.

Barrow has been involved with the England Academy coaching set-up since 2010 and will take over the reins from Dave Elliott, who will continue in his role as national development coach.

Barrow has been working closely with Elliott during the past two months to prepare the youth squad for their upcoming two-Test series against France this Easter.

He is hoping to get his tenure off to a winning start when the teams line up at the Provident Stadium on Friday, March 29.

The second Test will be played at the Rapid Solicit-ors Stadium, Wakefield, on Tuesday, April 2 (both 2.30pm kick-offs).

Barrow, who was player performance manager at the Bulls from 2009-2012 and at Castleford from 2005-2009, said: “It’s a great honour for me to get the opportunity to coach some of the finest young talent in the game.”