England seek part-time head-coach for World Cup after Shaun Wane steps down in wake of Ashes defeat
A part-time head-coach will lead England into this year’s World Cup following Shaun Wane’s departure after six years as national team boss.
The RFL today (Wednesday) announced Wane will “step aside with immediate effect”. A statement said: “Wane, who has led England since February 2020, has taken time to reflect on the programme and believes the timing is right for new leadership to guide the team into the next phase, including the upcoming World Cup.”
The governing body’s media release added: “The process will now start to seek and appoint a new head-coach ahead of the tournament which starts against Tonga in Perth on October 17. Wane had operated on a full-time basis with the governing body, but the role is expected to revert to a part-time position, with the RFL setting out the criteria for a new appointment in due course.”
Wane’s exit comes two months after England suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Australia in the first rugby league Ashes Test series since 2003. Speaking after the third game, at Leeds Rhinos’ AMT Headingley, Wane had insisted he was the right man to take England into the World Cup.
His position, however, looked untenable. Though Wane was popular with his players, there was criticism from fans over his tactics and team selection, with the decision to omit Leeds Rhinos’ Man of Steel half-back Jake Connor being particularly controversial.
England were victorious in 14 of their 19 matches under Wane and won series against Tonga and Samoa, but failed to reach the final of the 2022 World Cup, crashing out at the semi-final stage against Samoa. The 61-year-old - who was a Challenge Cup, Grand Final and World Club Challenge winner during his time in charge of Wigan Warriors - said: “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."
RFL interim chief executive Abi Ekoku paid tribute to Wane, saying: “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. 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.”