St Helens have today announced that they have parted company with head coach Paul Wellens, effective immediately.

Wellens, who racked up 499 appearances as a player for the Red V, helping the Merseyside outfit to five Super League titles, 5 Challenge Cups, and two World Club Challenges. He is also one of very few players to have won the Man of Steel, Lance Todd Trophy, and Harry Sunderland Trophy in his career. He took over as coach of St Helens from Kristian Woolf in 2023, winning the 2023 World Club Challenges in his first game in charge, with a 13-12 victory over the Penrith Panthers.

His last game in charge came in the Super League semi-final loss to Hull KR last Saturday afternoon.

Club chairman Eamonn McManus celebrated Wellens’ legacy in a statement to the club website, saying: “Paul’s contribution to the history of our club has been without equal.”

“As a player, he won every honour available in our sport and was at the epicentre of our incredible success story during his seventeen-year playing career at the Saints.”

“Who can ever forget his on-field reaction as our captain at the end of our 2014 Grand Final victory over Wigan. It epitomised his devotion to the Saints and encapsulated his lifelong passion and dedication to our club and to this town.”

“As Head Coach, he started his career with the greatest achievement in our over 150-year history when he led us to victory over Penrith Panthers to win the World Club Challenge on Australian soil in 2023.”

“He has since committed his life in every way to the Club as our Head Coach. He has always done so with professionalism, dignity, and class. He’s been a supreme ambassador to our club and to our sport.”

“It has therefore been the most difficult decision to make, but we have now decided to move in a new direction and to appoint a new Head Coach. We now begin that search.”

“Paul will still be part of the fabric of our club and will always be warmly welcomed by everyone and at all times. We wish him every success in his future career and wish him and his family only well.”

Wellens himself stated: “Following a meeting with the Club, I have been informed that they will be looking to appoint a new Head Coach for the 2026 season.”

“Whilst I’m naturally disappointed that my time at the Club will be coming to an end, I also respect that decision and would like to thank Eamonn for his honesty in what I know would have been an extremely difficult conversation. We have developed a close working relationship for the best part of 25 years, and despite the difficult nature of such discussions, our friendship remains very much intact.”

“I would also like to thank the staff with whom I’ve worked very closely with over my three years as Head Coach of the Club. Your professionalism and work ethic is greatly appreciated, and I know how much the team values the constant support you give them.”

“To the players and your families, both past and present, a huge thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. Whilst we are in hugely privileged positions, I also understand that to play this game at the highest level requires great sacrifice, and it’s important I place on record my gratitude for those sacrifices.”

“Finally, a message to the ardent supporters of this great club, I want to thank you for your unwavering support. I have been blown away by the personal interactions I’ve had around this town, genuine people who are caring and supportive in the good moments, but more importantly, when times have become challenging, for that support, I extend a heartfelt thank you.”

Written by Nathan Major (site editor & Hull KR fan)

Source: https://www.saintsrlfc.com/2025/10/09/club-statement-paul-wellens/