Championship One side Gateshead Thunder have appointed former rugby league player Stanley Gene as the club's new head coach.

The 39-year-old has joined the club following a stint as Under-19s Academy coach at Hull Kingston Rovers.

"I am delighted to Join Gateshead Thunder," Gene told the club's official website. "They are a club I have had contact with this season because of their relationship with KR.

"My ambition is to take the club to the next level and to continue the hard work that has been put in here already. I'll be up in the North-East soon, and look forward to meeting the fans and sponsors."

Before embarking on a coaching career, Gene had playing stints at Hull KR, Huddersfield and Bradford.