Swinton Lions have appointed former England international Paul Wood as head coach ahead of the 2025 campaign. The Lions are preparing for life in League One after their disappointing loss to Hunslet in a relegation play-off earlier this month.
Wood arrives at the helm to replace Alan Kilshaw, who resigned from the role after the club’s relegation to third tier of the rugby league pyramid. The former Warrington Wolves man has never worked as a head coach, but he’ll be tasked with helping to lead the club back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
Wood is no stranger to the Lions, having represented the club briefly at the end of a career that saw him make more than 350 appearances. A large majority of those came in the primrose and blue of Warrington, where he spent 15 seasons as a player, while he also had a spell with Featherstone Rovers. He made two appearances for his country back in 2005.
Speaking about his appointment, Wood told the Swinton website: “I’m really honoured to be announced as the new Swinton Lions head coach. It’s a privilege to be put in this position.
“Given the history and the proud heritage of Swinton Lions, I feel really fortunate that I’ve been given an opportunity to apply some of my own philosophies on and off the field for this great club. I’m sure that with some hard work and dedication, and some sacrifice, that we can create a clear vision and take the club forward.”
Lions’ CEO, Steve Wild, added: “Paul brings a wealth of high-level rugby league experience to Swinton, and has all the makings of a top-class coach. He has played with, and for, the best in the sport, but it was his deep thinking and off-field philosophy, as much as his glittering playing career, which was exemplified by his bravery and determination, which greatly impressed us.
“As soon as myself and fellow directors Jason and Barry began conversations with Paul we were so impressed by his enthusiasm, experience and integrity. We are, of course, aware that he has yet to create his mark as a head coach, but there is absolutely no doubt in our minds that Paul has all the credentials and qualities to do so. He is respected throughout the sport, as a result of which he is very well connected.
“Paul didn’t need to be convinced to buy into our “one club-one vision” philosophy, because in that sense he was already one step ahead of us. He’s an astute student of the game, but also his work with RL Cares has helped shape a modern approach to man-management, and getting the absolute best from those around him. Our club can only be as good as all of its people and all of its constituent parts, and Paul is the right man to lead on this by example.
“Yes, we’ve suffered an on-field setback as a club, but this has given us the time to re-evaluate and reflect, and to re-set our vision. Paul’s personality and personal ambitions are a perfect fit. With everyone connected with Swinton Lions giving him their full support, we are sure that Paul will be create a legacy and be a great success.”
