Cleary named Lebanon coach
Ivan Cleary has been named as the new head coach of the Lebanon national team.
The former head coach of the Penrith Panthers and New Zealand Warriors has agreed to take charge at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
‘‘I was privileged to have been involved in the previous Rugby League World Cup with the New Zealand squad, so to now have the opportunity to be the head coach of a developing nation such as Lebanon is something that I’m really excited about,’’ Cleary said in a statement.
‘‘The Lebanese Rugby League Federation has worked hard to establish their local competition and I believe that this is an important opportunity to help lift the exposure of the game – particularly from a grassroots level.
‘‘With Lebanon qualifying for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, I believe we have a huge opportunity to increase participation numbers in Lebanon and that’s really important for the growth of the international game.
‘‘From a cultural perspective, the tournament is important for a lot of players to either represent their country of birth, or for those who were born outside of Lebanon, to represent their family heritage.
‘‘I’m looking forward to working with the Lebanon team and the Rugby League World Cup tournament is a great chance to showcase the great talent that the nation has to offer.’’
Lebanon rugby league CEO Remond Safi said the appointment of Cleary sends a clear message around their aspirations heading into the tournament.
‘‘Having Ivan appointed as the Lebanon Cedars head coach is definitely a move in the right direction and it’s an appointment that shows that we are genuine about the competing in this year’s World Cup,’’ Safi said.
Lebanon have been drawn in Pool A in this year’s Rugby League World Cup and will play Australia, England and France during the pool stages, with the top three teams progressing to the quarterfinals.