Brian Noble has been appointed as head coach of Celtic Crusaders.

The Welsh club confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in rugby league when the 48-year-old Noble was unveiled at a press conference at the Celtic Manor Hotel.

Ex-Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp, who was assistant to Noble with Great Britain from 2004-05, will be first team coach while Iestyn Harris, newly-appointed Wales national coach, is also joining a new-look backroom staff as assistant.

The announcement comes 11 days after Wigan confirmed that Noble would not be given a new contract with the Warriors.

"We are delighted that Brian has accepted the job of head coach here at the Crusaders," Leighton Samuel, the Crusaders chairman, said. "His track record in Super League is second to none and I'm sure that he will be a massive success here, the same as he has been at Bradford and Wigan."

Noble succeeds Australian John Dixon, whose contract was not renewed after the Crusaders finished bottom of the table at the end of their inaugural season in Super League.