The Rugby Football League (RFL) have announced today that Shaun Wane has stepped aside from his role as England rugby league head coach. Wane won everything there was to win as both a player and coach for Wigan, winning two league titles, four Challenge Cups, and a World Club Challenge as a player and three Super Leagues, one Challenge Cup, and another World Club Challenge as a coach. As England coach, he oversaw series wins over both Tonga and Samoa, and led the side to a World Cup semi-final, losing to Samoa in 2022. His final record stands at 14 wins from 19 matches.

His departure comes after a disappointing 3-0 series whitewash in the return of The Ashes against Australia, and leaves the RFL with just under nine months to appoint a successor, which they indicated would return to being a part-time role. The job has been a full-time role recently, with Wane having held the position since 2020.

Interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku had this to say about the departing coach: “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.”

Wane himself added: “It has been the honour 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 programme to move forward into its next chapter.”

“The privilege of leading my country in a World Cup, an Ashes Series on home soil and securing victories over Tonga and Samoa will live long in the memory. I’m incredibly grateful to all the players, coaches and staff I’ve worked alongside during that time, their commitment and professionalism made those moments possible.”

“I wish everyone involved with England Rugby League the best going forward and for the World Cup later this year.”

The process to appoint Wane’s successor has already begun ahead of this year’s World Cup, which kicks off in Perth against Tonga on October 17th. Whoever takes the role will have very limited time with the team before the tournament, as this year’s fixture list leaves no time for any warm-up games, meaning the new coach may well only meet his assembled side in the weeks ahead of the tournament in what is sure to be a huge challenge for whoever takes on the job.

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

Source: https://www.rugby-league.com/article/64481/shaun-wane-steps-aside-as-england-head-coach