HEAD coach Tony Smith has appointed Salford City Reds assistant coach James Lowes as Great Britain trainer for the 2007 international programme.

The part-time role will see the former international hooker join the Great Britain squad's preparations for the forthcoming Frontline Test against France and for the Gillette Fusion Test Series against New Zealand this autumn.

The trainer role will see Lowes integrate with the Lions coaching staff and assist with all training sessions. The trainer will also carry out all appropriate on-field duties on match days.

Commenting on his appointment, Lowes said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to be involved with the international set-up and to work with international players.

"It is a great chance to expand my coaching experience and also to work closely with high quality coaches such as Tony Smith and Steve McNamara."

Lowes added: "I hope that the fact I have a decent knowledge of the guys in the Great Britain squad and have played alongside and against some of them will help me settle down in the trainer role.

"It is pleasing to see a Test match against France come back onto the international calendar. The introduction of Catalans Dragons to engage Super League has definitely had a positive effect on playing standards across the channel and this match will certainly be a great challenge for our squad."

Great Britain head coach Tony Smith said: "I am delighted to have Jimmy on board with us. He is of course a former Great Britain player himself and therefore brings experience from the international scene.

"He certainly understands what competing at that level is all about and that will be a great benefit to the squad.

"I am looking forward to working with Jimmy and the no-nonsense approach he brings. He tells it as it is and that is certainly an approach we want to take collectively as a coaching staff."

Great Britain take on France in the Frontline Test Match at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Friday June 22nd 2007.

Meanwhile, tickets for June's Frontline Test Match between Great Britain and France at Headingley Carnegie went on sale last week with special discounts for all Rugby League season ticket holders and children's tickets costing just £5.

The cheapest adult ticket for a season ticket holder is just £9 with the most expensive £15.

Also adult tickets for the game start from just £12, all children's tickets are priced £5 and a special family ticket, for two adults and two children in the upper tier of the new Carnegie Stand, costs £25.

For ticket information, call the RFL Ticket Office on 0871 226 1313.