New Leeds Rhinos women's team coach Lois Forsell welcomes "exciting" challenge

Forsell, 28, replaces Adam Cuthbertson who has stepped down after guiding Rhinos to two Challenge Cup titles, a Super League Grand Final win and league leaders’ shield during his two seasons in charge.

“It is very exciting and I am looking forward to the next chapter,” Forsell, whose playing career was ended last year by a knee injury, said.

“I have learned a lot off Cuthbo and there will be times I look back at some of the stuff he has done.

“I will be learning from day one, but that’s what it is all about and I am excited to get going.”

Paying tribute to the previous coach and his staff, Forsell added: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Adam Cuthbertson for everything he has done for the team since our formation.

“The work he has done, alongside Leon Crick, Anthony and David Gibbons, has set the standard for where this team needs to be in the future.”

Forsell starred for Bradford Bulls and England before captaining Leeds in their debut 2018 season.

As well as a full-time job with Rhinos’ foundation, she co-presents Sky Sports’ Inside Super League magazine show and is the first female member of Super League’s Man of Steel judging panel.

“My journey was cut short a little bit as a player,” she admitted. “But now I can have an influence and support the girls in their next steps towards the legacy we set out in 2018. I am grateful for the opportunity given me by the club and excited about what this group of players can achieve.”

Forsell is taking her level three coaching qualification, worked with Rhinos’ under-16s and under-19s last year and has been assisting Cuthbertson in the early stages of pre-season.

Betfred Women's Super League kicks-off next month.

Rhinos’ director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “We are delighted Lois has accepted this opportunity.

“As a player Lois was an inspirational character on and off the field and she embodies everything we look for in our players.”