Mark Applegarth

Mark Applegarth (born 10 December 1984), also known by the nickname of "Mash", is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. He played at club level for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, the York City Knights (two spells), the Central Queensland Comets and the Batley Bulldogs, as a, or.

He is head-coach of York Knights in the RFL Championship, following Andrew Henderson's move to become Head of Rugby operations and development.

Background
Applegarth was born in Newton Hill, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. As of 2020, he lives in the Wakefield area with his wife Jessica, they were married at Sandburn Hall, Flaxton, York during 2018.

Playing career
He represented the Great Britain/Great British Schoolboys against the Australian Schoolboys during 2002. Applegarth came through the ranks at the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and made his début as an 18-year-old. Upon leaving the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats due to injuries he joined the York City Knights. He was released from his contract with the York City Knights during June 2010 to pursue a career in Australia. After a brief stint with the Temora Dragons in New South Wales, Applegarth played for the Central Queensland Comets based in Rockhampton in the Queensland Cup competition. During 2012 Applegarth signed for the Batley Bulldogs under his former Wakefield Trinity Wildcats coach John Kear. During 2014 after another serious knee-injury, Applegarth re-signed for the York City Knights to become their player/assistant coach. He retired from playing during 2016 and as of 2019, he was the Head of Youth at Wakefield Trinity.

Wakefield Trinity
Applegarth was appointed following the sacking of Willie Poching at the end of the 2022 Super League season. In round 15 of the 2023 Super League season, Applegarth earned his first win as Wakefield Trinity head coach defeating Leeds 24-14. Wakefield had lost their opening 14 matches of the campaign. At the conclusion of the Super League XXVIII season Wakefield Trinity finished bottom of the table and were relegated to the RFL Championship which ended their 24-year stay in the top flight. Applegarth was subsequently relieved of his duties and replaced with Daryl Powell.

York Knights
On 5 Jun 2024 it was reported that he would take over the head coach role from Andrew Henderson at York Knights in the RFL Championship.