RFL Plans to Announce New England Rugby League Head Coach Soon
The Rugby Football League (RFL) has confirmed that a replacement for former England head coach Shaun Wane will be appointed "within the next few weeks." Wane, who took over from Wayne Bennett in 2020, stepped down in January, just nine months ahead of the 2023 Rugby League World Cup. A selection panel, including former England captain Kevin Sinfield, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku, RFL chair Nigel Wood, and non-executive director Sara Symington, is set to interview candidates and recommend Wane's successor to the RFL board. Nigel Wood emphasized the importance of this appointment, stating, "We are entering a crucial time as we bid to secure the right person to lead England's men's team into the upcoming World Cup." The RFL has received applications from a variety of world-class coaches, both domestically and from the NRL. During Wane's tenure, England hosted the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Samoa in a dramatic golden-point extra time. Despite winning home series against Tonga and Samoa in the following years, England faced a disappointing defeat in the Ashes Tests against Australia last autumn. Wane expressed pride in his role, saying, "It has been the honour of my life to coach England over the last six years," but acknowledged that it was time for a new direction. The new coach will initially take on a part-time role, focusing on the upcoming World Cup, which begins with England's match against Tonga in Perth on 17 October.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-01