ROBIN Sharp has been appointed as the Bulls’ new Academy Player Performance Manager.

Sharp has had spells with Huddersfield Giants and Featherstone Rovers and will oversee areas of Bradford’s Under-19s, Under-16s and Under-15s Scholarship sides.

He will also work to improve educational pathways for players and staff, with his arrival seeing him reunited with Head of Youth John Bastian, who he worked with at Featherstone.

Sharp said: “I’m delighted to join such a massive club in Bradford, it was an opportunity I simply could not afford to turn down.

“I’m really pleased to be working under John again too. He had a massive part to play in my development in the short period of time we spent working together at the Rovers.

“We both share the same vision and philosophies on youth development and this is a role I am very passionate about.

“I want to work closely with all the players and coaches to help them develop, improve and get better.

“The focus will be fixed on creating a culture and environment, where young players see the Bulls as the place to be – going forward and in the future.

“Our aim will be unleashing the next generation of junior players coming through the club's junior pathway to play first-team rugby.”

Bastian, who became the Bulls' Head of Youth in October, said: “Having worked alongside Robin at Featherstone, I have seen first-hand what he is capable of in terms of guiding the next generation.

“He transformed the youth structure there and showed skill and enthusiasm in the progress and development of juniors.

“I fully expect Robin to further develop and improve our juniors and the staff looking after them too.

“Robin's passion and dedication is something to be admired and we are over the moon to have him on board.”