Leon Pryce will bring a wealth of knowledge and contacts to Workington Town, according to director of rugby Les Ashe.

Ex-England international and Super League star Pryce was revealed as the club’s new head coach on a two-year deal in a role which will also include commercial commitments on Sunday.

Ashe said the board was humbled by the applications received from both local and international candidates and thanked everyone who applied for the role.

But he said it was Pryce’s profile and contacts which made him the right man for the job.

“I have to compliment all of the candidates because there was a high standard of applications and everybody brought something to the table,” Ashe said.

“We were really humbled in terms of how many applied for the role and the fact that so many people really care about the club’s future.

“Some had more experience than others but, from Leon, we saw his profile and standing in the game.

“He had a really good vision for himself and the club and is trying to grow both of those alongside each other.

“He’s got an abundance of contacts in the game, be that players, agents or other coaches.”

Ashe said the club plans to thrash out a strategy for the 2018 season at a meeting tomorrow.

He said: “We have a planning meeting on Wednesday because we are conscious of time and other clubs having a small jump on players.

"But we have signed quite a few from last season which will be revealed in the coming weeks.

“We wanted to be respectful of the incoming coach and let him see every aspect of the club.

“He will have the final decision on who we recruit and that will be thrashed out tomorrow. Then we’ll move forward.”