BULLS have confirmed that head of youth John Bastian is leaving Bulls to join Super League Hull Kingston Rovers.

Bastian has been a key figure in developing the club's highly-rated Academy since arriving at Odsal at the end of the 2014 season.

Over 50 players have come through the Bradford ranks in the last five years, including Castleford star Jacob Trueman and St Helens' James Bentley.

Bastian will head up Hull KR's youth system from 2020, though it is understood he will be leaving his post at Bulls imminently.

The Robins and Hull FC announced earlier this month that the clubs were ending their City of Hull Academy partnership in favour of establishing their own set-ups.

Bulls chairman Andrew Chalmers praised the work of Bastian and outlined plans to replace him and develop Bradford's Academy further.

He said: “John has been integral to our efforts to rebuild the Bradford Bulls Academy. He has worked tirelessly with his team to continue to develop young talent. It will now give others the opportunity to build on the foundation in place. We envisage the academy will continue to go from strength to strength as we expand the resources and expertise within the set-up.

“Over the next month we will seek a replacement Head of Youth and will also be recruiting a Head of Education as we prepare to launch a tier three academy to run alongside the programme currently in place.

"This year will also see the academy become multi-gender as the club launches a women’s under-19s team to support our Super League team.

“We thank John for his hard work and dedication throughout his time with the Bradford Bulls and would like to wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.”

A host of current first-team players have come through the Academy under Bastian and fellow coaches Leigh Beattie, Mark Dunning and Robin Sharp.

They include Ethan Ryan, Ross Oakes Rowan Milnes and Matthew Storton.

Bastian said: “I cannot thank the fans enough for their support and Bullbuilder who have gone from strength to strength in raising money for youth development at the club.

“It has been a terrific time, it has been challenging at times but it has been really enjoyable and I would like to thank Andrew Chalmers for helping rebuild the Academy with his passion for youth and homegrown players.

“Now the club has stability – John (Kear) has been here for the best part of 18 months and is incredibly passionate about homegrown players.

“We still have plenty of talent in our system and coming through the ranks – the Academy is in a really good place and has a very bright future.”

Hull KR owner Neil Hudgell said: "John’s appointment as head of youth is a significant coup for us.

“Our own academy affords us the opportunity to re-establish our own identity, and a return to the values which served this club so well many years ago.

“We are a community-centric club and we intend to build again on those local foundations. John’s track record at Leeds, Warrington and most recently Bradford is second to none in bringing youth through."