Neil Kelly


Neil Kelly, also known by the nickname of "Ned", is the defense coach of the Houston SaberCats of Major League Rugby and an English former professional rugby league footballer. He played club level rugby league for Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, Wakefield Trinity and Hunslet Hawks as a or, and coached representative level rugby league for Wales, and at club level for Dewsbury Rams, Widnes Vikings, Leigh Centurions, and coached representative level rugby union for Namibia , and at club level for Ulster Rugby, and Doncaster Knights.

Coaching career

Namibian Rugby (International)

Assistant Coach
In 2011 Neil Kelly was appointed as Assistant coach to Namibia national rugby union team during their preparations for the Rugby World Cup finals to be held in New Zealand later that year.

Doncaster R.F.C.

Assistant Coach

Leigh Centurions

Head Coach/Director of Football
On his return to England and Rugby League Neil spent two years as the Head Coach and then Director of Football at Leigh Centurions Rugby League Club, competing in the Co-Operative Rugby League Championship.

Ulster Rugby Union

Assistant Coach/Defence Coach
Neil Kelly spent two and a half years working as the defence coach for Ulster Rugby Union Club.
Ulster Rugby participate in the Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12, and provide the biggest regular supporter numbers for a true 'sport for all' in Northern Ireland. Based at Ravenhill in Belfast, they are the only sport running a full-time professional team based in Northern Ireland.

Widnes Vikings

Head Coach
Whilst at Widnes Neil won promotion, via the 1st Division Grand Final 2001, to the Super League, the Northern Hemisphere's elite Rugby League competition. After a successful first season Neil was awarded the prestigious Super League Coach of the Year award for 2002.
Widnes win Grand Final

Dewsbury Rams

Head Coach
During his five-year spell at Dewsbury, Neil Kelly coached the club through one of the most successful spells in its history.
No promotion for Dewsbury after Grand Final win

Wales Rugby League (International)

Head Coach
2001
Wales 33 Vs England 42
2002

Genealogical information

Neil Kelly is one of three brothers to play professional Rugby League, Andrew "Andy" Kelly who played for Wakefield Trinity, Hull Kingston Rovers and Illawarra Steelers, and Richard Kelly who played for Wakefield Trinity and Dewsbury.