GARY Dempsey aims to bring some international expertise to the Bulls’ pre-season programme.

The new strength and conditioning coach will combine his club work with the same role he does for the England national side.

Dempsey is part of the new back-room staff assembled by Lowes which also includes Karl Harrison, retired Bulls skipper Matt Diskin and former Featherstone coach John Bastian.

It is a line-up that managing director Steve Ferres has already hailed as Super League standard.

Dempsey, who has previously worked alongside Lowes with England, will fly Down Under later this month for the Four Nations tournament. England kick off their campaign against Samoa in Brisbane on Saturday, October 25.

But he is just as excited by the offer to work with Lowes once more at Odsal.

Dempsey, who has also been Scotland’s fitness coach, said: “Having worked with Jimmy while with England, I know just how good a coach he is.

“With that in mind, it is easy to see why I am so excited about linking back up with him again.

“I know what he is looking for and what he wants from me in my role. I now look forward to delivering that with him and the rest of the team.”

Dempsey was not put off by the prospect of dropping a level to the Championship.

“The opportunity to return to coaching on a day-to-day basis, and focus solely on the development of athletes next year, was one I could not afford to turn down.

“An incredible squad has been pieced together for 2015 and I cannot wait to get started.”

New signing Jean Philippe-Baile has been named by France in their 23-man training squad for the European Championships.

The three-quarter, who last month agreed a one-year deal with the Bulls, has begun working with Richard Agar's squad. France face Ireland in Dublin a week tomorrow in their opening game.