Kemble confirmed as Kiwis new coach

Former New Zealand fullback Gary Kemble has been confirmed as the Kiwis' new rugby league coach.

The 50-year-old is replacing Brian McClennan, who is heading to England to take over at Super League club Leeds. Kemble has been handed the position over 14 other contenders with his contract to run until the end of next year's World Cup.

His first assignment will be the one-off test against Australia in Wellington in October, after which the Kiwis go on a three-Test tour of England.

Kemble made 19 Test appearances for New Zealand from 1980 to 1986, with his playing career including a lengthy spell with English club Hull.

He has previously served as an assistant coach with the Kiwis, as well as taking the reigns with the Junior Kiwis, the New Zealand Residents, New Zealand A and the then Auckland Warriors' reserve grade side.

Last year, he coached the Counties Manukau Jetz in the Bartercard Cup.