A head coach set to face a Rugby Football League tribunal has landed a new job Down Under after resigning in October.
Alan Kilshaw resigned from his role as Swinton Lions head coach after the club lost to Hunslet in the play-off game to decide the final Championship spot for the 2024 season. League One Hunslet, Kilshaw’s former club, defeated Swinton to secure promotion and relegate Swinton to League One.
Kilshaw resigned in the ensuing days and has now landed himself a new role Down Under with Queensland club Oakey Bears appointing him as their Director of Coaching and Development.
The appointment comes whilst Kilshaw is still the subject of an RFL investigation after allegations were made against him following a game between Swinton and Widnes.
Shortly after Swinton defeated Widnes, images were shared on social media by Widnes’ Nick Gregson that showed a headshot of the player with a noose photoshopped around his neck and the words ‘Bully him ‘.
An RFL investigation was opened immediately and it was reported that a tribunal date was set for early October. That has since passed without going ahead with the RFL confirming to Serious About RL that a new date is to be arranged.
Rugby League coach lands role down under as he awaits RFL tribunal
Whilst that saga plays out, Kilshaw has confirmed his future with Oakey Bears announcing him as their new Director of Coaching and Development.
Sharing the news on their social media, the club posted: “The Oakey Bears Rugby League Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of Alan Kilshaw as our new Director of Coaching and Development!
“After an extensive search, we believe we have found the leader to build a football program aimed at returning the Bears to finals contention across both our junior and senior teams.
“The Oakey Bears are on a mission to become a destination club—a club where players want to stay and where others aspire to join. We are focused on developing our home-grown talent while attracting new players through the quality of our football program. With a significant investment in cutting-edge technology and coaching staff, the Bears want to create an environment that nurtures success, fosters growth, and builds loyalty. Our vision is to make Oakey a club that stands out—a place players are proud to represent and excited to be part of.
“Alan’s role is to lead this transformation.
“Alan brings a wealth of experience to the club: Championship-winning coach with success in both the UK and Australia
“Over 200 first-grade games coached in his career
“NRL High-Performance Coach qualification and UKCC Level Three Coaching qualification
“Qualified teacher and former development manager with a drive for excellence both on and off the field.”
The statement concluded: “Alan’s proven track record of success, combined with his dedication to player development and coaching excellence, makes him the ideal person to lead the Oakey Bears into an exciting new era.
“We can’t wait to see the impact Alan will have as we set our sights on becoming a powerhouse in the TRL once again! 💪🐻
“Alan and his family will be relocating to Oakey in January, and we look forward to welcoming them into the community.”
