Former Wigan captain Dean Bell, who recently ended a 20-year stint in England, is to rejoin his first club, the New Zealand Warriors, as their community and development manager.

Bell, 44, one of the game's modern legends, will take up his position in August, 12 years after ending his playing career with the Auckland club.

He will also manage the Warriors' under-20 team which will be coached by another former Wigan favourite Tony Iro.

"I've had the best part of 20 years in England and we were keen to come back to New Zealand on a permanent basis," he said. "This opportunity couldn't have been a better one for me."

Bell played almost 400 top-level games during his career including 26 Tests for the Kiwis and 253 appearances for Wigan before carving out a successful career in the community and development areas with both Wigan and Leeds.