WAKEFIELD TRINITY have appointed highly-rated John Bastian as Head of Youth, with Simon Bell taking on the role of Head of Talent, Recruitment and Operations.

Both men join from Leeds Rhinos where they have been key in developing and supporting young players, with Bastian in particular helping to shape some of the brightest players in the game through his work at Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Bradford Bulls, and Hull KR, as well as a spell as head coach at Featherstone Rovers.

Most recently, over four years with the Rhinos, he progressed from his initial role as Player Pathway Development Manager to become Head of Youth, overseeing Leeds' academy and scholarship programmes and helping countless young players make the step up to professional rugby.

Upon taking the new challenge at Trinity, Bastian said: "I want to say a big thank you to Wakefield Trinity for giving us this opportunity. When we got the option to come I didn't hesitate in accepting the role. Our goal is to make a huge difference here at the club when it comes to Youth Development."

Bell also joins from Leeds Rhinos, where he spent 20 years working within the club's academy recruitment and talent ID.

At Trinity, he will head up our recruitment and scouting operations, working closely with community clubs, schools, and regional programmes to find and support promising players across Yorkshire and beyond.

Bell said: "Thank you to the Ellis Family and the coaching staff here at Wakefield for this opportunity. It's exciting to be a part of this club with what is currently going on at the club with everything building. I know myself and John are looking forward to getting started and are going to work our damnedest to make sure Wakefield Trinity have a bright future with Youth players coming through into the First Team."

Director of Rugby Ste Mills is looking forward to the future: "Securing the services of John and Simon is huge for Wakefield Trinity and we're extremely happy to have them both on board.

"We feel that they are the best in the business at Youth Identification and Development and their track records back that up.

"We're building something long-term here at Wakefield Trinity and investing in Youth Development is a big part of that. Having John and Simon in the club now give these young talented players the best support and opportunity to succeed."