Shaun Wane has left his position as England head coach with immediate effect, leaving the national team on the hunt for a replacement for the Rugby League world Cup later this year.
“It has been the honor of my life to coach England Rugby League over the last six years, but after careful reflection I believe the time is right to step aside and allow the program to move forward into its next chapter,” Wane said in an RFL statement.
“I wish everyone involved with England Rugby League the best going forward and for the World Cup later this year.”
Wane oversaw England’s 3-0 Ashes defeat against Australia last autumn but insisted in the aftermath of that series that he was keen to continue and rebuild going into the World Cup in the southern hemisphere this year.
wane held discussions with the Rugby football League this week about his future and those decisions have reached a conclusion, with it decided that the national team will go in a new direction for the World Cup.
Wane had insisted previously that he felt he was the right man to take England into the World Cup this year,saying: “I don’t believe – I know I am.” Though the interim RFL chair, Nigel Wood, threw doubt on that when he confirmed in an interview late last year that Wane’s position was under review.
England’s plans for the tournament are unclear but are likely to be minimal. There is no room in the domestic schedule for a mid-season international going into a World Cup, meaning that it is almost certain the RFL will turn to a part-time appointment.
That will probably mean a number of existing Super League coaches are options with Hull KR’s Willie Peters and St Helens’ Paul Rowley likely to be among the contenders.
Creating a part-time role could open the door for a Super League coach to take charge, like Hull KR’s Willie Peters (right). Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
The RFL’s interim chief executive, Abi Ekoku, had insisted previously that the role could become a part‑time one; Wane had been a full‑time employee of the RFL since his appointment in 2020. During that time,he guided England to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals,but their surprise defeat by Samoa in that game is still regarded as a missed chance for the sport in the UK.
Wane did deliver series victories against Tonga and Samoa in 2023 and 2024 but his side was comfortably second-best in last year’s Ashes, leading to fresh scrutiny over his future.
“The RFL would like to thank Shaun for his leadership and unstinting dedication to making the England rugby league team the very best it could be over the last six years,” Ekoku said on Wednesday.
“shaun has not only led England with pride, passion and a considerable level of insight; his diligence has set new standards and driven the expectations of a new generation of international stars. We wish Shaun the very best for the future and the RFL will undoubtedly call upon his vast knowledge and experience moving forward.”
