Keighley Cougars have appointed Richard Dibbin as Head of Rugby Operations. The appointment follows Matt Bramald's recent appointment as Head Coach and aims to strengthen the organisation's rugby operations ahead of 2027.
Dibbin brings experience in local rugby league through his role as Chairman of Keighley Albion, a position he will retain until the end of the 2026 season. He will then focus fully on his new responsibilities with the Cougars.
Role and responsibilities
Working alongside the club's owners and Bramald, Dibbin will support recruitment, help assemble the backroom team, and oversee the practical organisation of rugby operations. Coaching, team selection and on-field preparation will remain the responsibility of Bramald and his coaching staff.
Dibbin said he is "really excited about this opportunity" and determined to make a positive contribution. He emphasised his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities at Keighley Albion before completing that chapter.
Building the team
"It's already been great chatting with Matty and helping get him on board. His enthusiasm has really come across, and we're already bringing together a backroom team to support him and the players," Dibbin said.
He outlined the club's vision: "We want passion and hunger throughout this team. We want players who genuinely want to be at Keighley, who are prepared to work hard for each other and who understand how much this club means to its supporters.
"We can't promise to win every game, but we are committed to building a team that gives everything every week. The fans deserve to see that effort, determination and desire whenever the players pull on a Cougars shirt."