St Helens: Sean Long returns after Salford Red Devils exit
Last updated on .From the section Rugby League
Sean Long has returned to Super League champions St Helens as assistant coach as part of new head coach Keiron Cunningham's backroom staff.
The 38-year-old had been working in a consultancy role at Salford but owner Marwan Koukash indicated Long had requested to leave the Red Devils.
Long spent 13 seasons as a player at Saints and has signed a two-year deal.
"I am delighted to be back at a club I love so much. It was my chance to come home," said Long.
"Saints are one of the greatest rugby league clubs in the world and to be part of the backroom team here was too good an opportunity to turn down.
"The opportunity to work with Keiron Cunningham, a team-mate and friend who was and still is a legend at Saints, and the great squad is very exciting."
Long, who was part of the Samoa coaching setup for the recent Four Nations competition, re-joined Salford in March after leaving London Broncos.
He had previously spent 18 months as assistant coach at Salford, but left after Brian Noble was appointed head coach in 2013.
The former Great Britain scrum-half also played for Wigan, Widnes and Hull FC in Super League and had a spell at rugby union side Preston Grasshoppers after retiring from rugby league.
