Shaun Wane has quit as England head coach, stepping down nine months before the Rugby League World Cup.
The 61-year-old, who took over from Wayne Bennett in 2020, said he made the decision after “careful reflection”. Wane led England at the home World Cup in 2022, where they lost in the semi-finals to Samoa in extra time.
Since then, England won home series against Tonga and Samoa but suffered a disappointing Ashes whitewash against Australia last autumn. Despite previously saying he was the right man to lead England into the 2026 World Cup, Wane now feels it is time for a change.
“It has been the honour of my life to coach England, but I believe the time is right to step aside and let the team move into its next chapter,” he said.
England’s World Cup campaign will begin against Tonga in Perth on 17 October, followed by matches against France and Papua New Guinea. The Rugby Football League confirmed the next England coach role is likely to be part-time, with details on a replacement to be announced later.
