Jon Clarke added to Widnes Vikings coaching staff

Jon Clarke joined Widnes at the start of the 2012 season

Widnes Vikings captain Jon Clarke will become the Super League club's head of strength and conditioning when he retires at the end of the season.

Clarke will play his final home game for Widnes against Wigan on Friday.

"It's a massive appointment for me and what I've been working towards for the last four or five years," the 35-year-old hooker told the club website.

"To move into a role like this straight from playing is brilliant for me and I feel very privileged."

The Vikings are eighth in the table with three matches to play and hope to secure a play-off spot for the first time since returning to the top flight in 2012.

The former Great Britain international continued: "I did have the opportunity to move away from Widnes Vikings to take up similar roles elsewhere but my loyalty is with the club and I never considered going anywhere else.

"I feel we are building something really special with a great group of people and to be a part of that is important to me."

Widnes coach Denis Betts added: "Jon's been the captain of this club for the past three years and I believe this to be a fantastic appointment for us.

"You don't let quality people leave your organisation and Jon is a quality person, not only with his personality and as a bloke but with the standards he sets."