Furner has been part of the Rabbitohs’ coaching structure for the past two years and will head to England on a three year contract.

Furner was previously head coach of the Canberra Raiders for five seasons after three years as assistant there, assistant at the North Queensland Cowboys for three seasons including their premiership year in 2015, and assistant of the Australian Kangaroos for six years under Tim Sheens. He was also assistant with Tonga over the past two seasons as they reached the World Cup semi-final in 2017.

“I would like to thank David for his service to our club over the past two seasons," said Rabbitohs general manager Shane Richardson. "He has played a leading role in returning our team to the top four.

“He goes on to a great club in Leeds and I’m sure he will be a success as their head coach. He goes with our blessing and we wish David, his wife Kellie and his family the best of luck in the UK.”

Furner, a former Leeds Rhinos player, said: “I have had two wonderful seasons at the Rabbitohs and this was not a decision that I took lightly.

“Returning to England is something my family and I are excited about come the end of the season.

“In the meantime, I am looking forward to finishing my time at South Sydney in the best possible fashion and wish Kevin Sinfield and the team at Leeds good luck for the remainder of their campaign.”