Rugby League fans split on next England boss as surprise Super League coach gains support

After Shaun Wane resigned as England head coach nine months out from the World Cup, rugby league fans have debated who should replace him.

Wane left after almost six years in charge with a record of 14 wins from 19 but crucially, four of those five games that he lost were the most important of his tenure – a World Cup semi-final and the three Ashes Tests against Australia.

Those results, as well as questionable selection for the recent Ashes series, ultimately paved the way for plenty of fan discontent but it was Wane himself who made the decision, opting to step down from his role ahead of this year’s World Cup.

That means the RFL have nine months to find a replacement though that replacement will not have any warm-up games with their first game in charge set to be England’s first game of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, against Tonga in Perth on October 17th.

With the RFL admitting that the position is expected to become a part-time role, it means Super League coaches are on the table to be appointed and a number of those have been suggested by fans.

Rugby League fans pick favourites for next England coach

Serious About Rugby League asked fans who should replace Shaun Wane as England’s head coach ahead of the World Cup, with over 250 responses given at the time of writing.

Among them, near enough every Super League coach was noted but a few names stood out. We’ve picked some of the best responses to get a gauge of who rugby league fans think should replace Shaun Wane.

Rob Elliott: I reckon it will be Sam Burgess but I would throw Denis Betts’ name into the ring. The style of rugby he has the Wigan women’s team playing is attacking and fast, the type of rugby we need to play if we want to even think of competing with the Aussies.

Ray Connor: Paul Rowley or Brian McDermott

Richard Tingle: As it’s part time, why not Willie Peters? He’s done a great job at KR and was Aussie assistant. Or brad Arthur, who has done a top job at Leeds. Another option is Paul Rowley but he has to prove himself at Saints.

John White: (Daryl) Powell or (Paul) Rowley). Either would be good but I think Rowley has to get his feet under the table with his new job.

Adrian Marrow: Willie peters and Danny McGuire with (Jamie) Peacock help. Peters gets the best out of players and picks who is playing well and would be great for his CV.

Ryan Underwood: Powell would be good. Bring back some exciting rugby and a more varied playbook to the international stage. So long as it wouldn’t impact on his head coaching role.

Michael Holmes: Powell. He has a proven track record of getting the absolute best out of ‘average’ players and forming teams who’s whole is greater than the sum of their parts.

Among the numerous other shouts, the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards who now operate in rugby union were mentioned frequently, whilst Matt Peet was another Super League coach to get shouts alongside Peters, Powell and Rowley.

Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.