Mark Applegarth appointed head coach of York Knights as Henderson transitions to a new role

YORK Knights have announced that Andrew Henderson has moved positions within the club to Head of Rugby Operations and Development, with Mark Applegarth appointed as the new head coach.

In a huge shake-up for York, chairman Clint Goodchild has confirmed an off-field restructure that will see Henderson leave his position as head coach, moving into a new role that will see him oversee day-to-day operations around the club. .

Goodchild admitted it hasn’t been an ideal Betfred Championship campaign so far, but hopes to turn the tide with the change in management.

After an internal meeting between Goodchild, Henderson and managing director Neil Gulliver, the Knights reached an agreement for Henderson to move into the new role of Head of Rugby Operations and Development.

Henderson will be replaced by former Wakefield head coach Trinity Applegarth, who suffered relegation with Trin from the Betfred Super League last season.

Applegarth is no stranger to the Knights, having made more than 100 appearances in two spells with the club, while also representing the Batley Bulldogs, Central Queensland Comets and Wakefield.

The Knights also announced plans to launch York RLFC’s academy in 2026.

The Academy will help York earn valuable IMG points as well as provide valuable support to the Knights’ first team and York Valkyries.

In a major announcement, Goodchild said: “The 2024 Championship season has brought with it a rollercoaster of emotions and results.

“There is no doubt that at the halfway point of the season the Knights are not where we set out to be on the ladder.

“The challenges presented by injuries and suspensions at the start of the season led to many of the inconsistent performances.

“I feel like we’re still not seeing our best team on the field. Through no fault of any player or staff, this streak of misfortune has taken its toll on the playing group and coaching staff.

“While there is a serious element of ‘bad luck’ in the current standings, it would be poor form not to look at all the potential areas we need to improve in order to gain consistency on and off the field.

“The players, coaches, staff and supporters have all stood up to be counted on in this rough run of results.

“I think we have an exceptional group of players here at the Club and we will continue to add further pieces as we progress into the second half of the season.

“Following a review of the performance and talent development departments at the club, I have decided to bring forward plans to restructure performance and invest in stronger player development pathways.

“We are focused on a long-term plan which includes the intention to launch a licensed York RLFC Academy in 2026, while providing additional support to the Knights squad in the immediate future.

“I think now is the time to implement the new full-time position of Head of Rugby Operations and Development.

“This position will be responsible for improving day-to-day rugby operations to drive higher standards and provide support for the Knights and Valkyries as the increased demands of Super League, the RFL and IMG continue to consume more time and resources from performance, medical and back. -office staff.

“While we believe a Head of Rugby Operations role is necessary, we are also committed to launching an RFL Licensed Academy in 2026.

“To achieve this we will need to start taking immediate action to build proven pathway systems and strengthen community relationships to attract the best of York’s future stars.

“While we have consciously sought to recruit and develop York players through the Excel programme, the Foundation’s community action sessions and recruiting ‘York Kids’ from other clubs, now is the time to take serious steps to build a bridge to ensure that those at home. talent enters the RLFC Academy in York.

“Having identified the need for a head of rugby operations and development over the last few months, the challenge then became who can fill such an important role.

“It was a shortlist that led me to internal discussions with Knights head coach Andrew Henderson and the club’s managing director Neil Gulliver, where the only obvious candidate was Andrew Henderson himself.

“His first-hand experience in developing player pathways at all levels, his knowledge of the challenges that come with coaching in a part-time environment and his experience of being in a successful system full-time are exceptional.

“I have no doubt that Andrew is the right man to build a system that will nurture talent at the Club through a successful Academy for generations to come.

“Now identifying Andrew as the right person for the role obviously creates an immediate problem of a Knights head coaching vacancy in the middle of the championship season.

“There is no more challenging and scrutinized role than that of a Rugby League head coach, so the hire cannot be a reactive one but must be a long-term strategic appointment.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Applegarth as head coach of the York Knights.

“With the support and guidance of Andrew, Mark will take over the reins of the team this week to maximize the time available with staff and players during the ‘Challenge Cup Break’.

“Mark has shown he can develop young players, motivate teams, is keen to succeed, has shown grit and determination and importantly is a former York player with over 100 caps.

“There will be more information and interviews in the coming days, but the priority at the moment is to have a successful transition period for both Andrew and Mark to allow the players and staff to focus on the job at hand – to face Dewsbury Rams. Sunday, June 16.

“I am delighted to take this step to ensure the long-term success of the club.”