The Lebanese Rugby League Federation has appointed Darren Maroon as the national team head coach and head of performance for the next four years. Former International Maroon was the head coach from 2003-2007 and during that time was involved in Lebanon’s record 13-match unbeaten run.

“It’s a great honour to be back involved with Lebanese rugby league, we have work to do” said Maroon.

Remond Safi, Lebanon’s Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that they had got their targeted man. “It was a lengthy process with a lot of great candidates applying for the position. I look forward to working with Darren in developing the game in Lebanon.”

In addition to attempting to guide the Cedars to the World Cup in 2017, Maroon will be responsible for implementing a playing style and coaching system throughout all Lebanese representative teams and will lead an annual coaching camp in the country.

He already has some experience of the local domestic scene, flying to Serbia in 2007 to oversee the Liban Espoir side. Maroon and Safi will combine to appoint staff to the U20, U18 and U16s national teams.

John Elias was Lebanon’s first head coach and was replaced in his second spell in 2010 by caretaker coach Rob Powell, who was supported by Thierry Dumaine and Latham Tawhai. David Bayssari took over for the 2013 world cup qualifying campaign.

Pictured: Remond Safi (left) and Darren Maroon.