FORMER Bulls head coach Jimmy Lowes has returned to rugby union as a consultant with his old club Yorkshire Carnegie.

Lowes left Carnegie just under two years ago to succeed Francis Cummins at Odsal but he resigned for personal reasons last Tuesday.

The Telegraph & Argus last week reported that Lowes was set for a return to Carnegie and it is understood he will be working with the backs in a role which could lead to a permanent position.

Lowes' return to Headingley is a timely boost for Carnegie, who launch their Championship play-off campaign on Sunday against Doncaster at Headingley.

The aggregate winners over the two legs will play Bristol or Bedford in the two-legged final to earn a place in the Aviva Premiership next season.

Carnegie head coach Bryan Redpath said: "Jimmy is obviously someone who knows this group of players very well and the club as a whole.

"Once we learnt of his availability, we approached him about the possibility of joining the backroom team for the play-offs, similar to the way Alan Tait has been working with us in recent weeks.

"Jimmy lives locally and was keen to help out where he can and we are looking forward to having him involved from when training begins this week on Tuesday morning."