FRANCIS Cummins has been appointed as skills and backs coach at ambitious Championship outfit Doncaster Knights.

The former Bulls head coach enjoyed a spell in rugby union at Yorkshire Carnegie last year and had recently applied for the vacant coaching position at Batley Bulldogs.

With Bradford assistant coach Matt Diskin landing that job, 39-year-old Cummins has returned to the 15-man code for a second stint.

He began pre-season training today with the full-time Knights alongside Clive Griffiths, Glen Kenworthy and Dougie Flockhart as preparation for the new campaign gets underway.

Doncaster pushed Bristol all the way in the Championship play-off final in May after winning the second leg 34-32 at Ashton Gate.

After winning 28-13 in the first leg, Bristol held firm for a 60-47 aggregate victory to return to the Premiership for the first time since 2009.

But Doncaster have made huge strides in recent seasons and Cummins said: "I had a good initial meeting with Clive (Griffiths) but I coached against Doncaster last year when I was at Yorkshire Carnegie and I could sense a feel for the club.

"There was also the great team spirit the team have and that paid off at the end of the year when they came within a whisker of making the Premiership.

"I've really enjoyed my time in rugby union and there is a crossover in skills between the two codes.

"I'll be looking at improving individuals and making small gains for everyone.

"I came down here last year and have been very impressed with the facilities on matchday.

"But when you get to see the main building and the facilities they have got, it is all geared up for another great year.

"There has been a lot of investment and hopefully that can be shown on the park."

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