Hull KR have confirmed the exit of a second assistant coach on the back of their historic treble-winning season.
Danny Ward has already left the club this post-season with Ward taking up a role with London Broncos and now Shaun Kenny-Dowall, former club captain and assistant coach, has left.
Kenny-Dowall called time on his playing career at the end of the 2023 season but took up the role of transition coach at the club before becoming an assistant to Willie Peters for the 2025 season on a two-year deal.
After one very successful year in the role, the Kiwi has left the role with Kenny-Dowall heading back home to Australia.
It’s a significant blow to Hull KR who have already lost Ward as mentioned above, though they have brought in former Salford Red Devils and Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson as an assistant.
Confirming Kenny-Dowall’s exit for personal reasons, Rovers haven’t announced if they’re seeking a replacement or not.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall leaves Hull KR as a “true club legend”
News of the 37-year-old’s departure was announced by Hull KR with a club statement wishing Kenny-Dowall well in his future and paying tribute to him for his role in what the club described as a “transformative period”.
Joining Hull KR in 2020, the centre was appointed captain ahead of the 2021 season and earned Super League Dream Team honours as a player, whilst also captaining the Robins in their 2023 Challenge Cup Final appearance.
His move into coaching also brought success, particularly in 2025 when Hull KR lifted the Challenge Cup, League Leaders Shield and Super League Grand Final.
Speaking on his exit, Kenny-Dowall said: “Thank you to everyone for my time at the club, especially Neil (Hudgell), the Board and Willie for my opportunity into coaching.
“I’m privileged and honoured to have been part of this group, this club and the East Hull Community. The Red Army have given me so many moments and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
“I’ll always be a supporter of the club, once a Robin. Always a Robin. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes Hull KR next.”
Head coach Willie Peters said: “Shaun had a highly successful playing career and finished that with four seasons at Hull KR where he helped make a difference to our club. He captained the team in a Challenge Cup Final and played a key role in helping the club grow.
“He’s transitioned into coaching and did a great job for us over the past two seasons. Shaun has become a good friend of mine and will be missed at the club.”
Chief Executive Paul Lakin added: “It wasn’t an easy decision for Shaun to make, we fully respect his need to stay in Australia and we wish Shaun, Georgie and Kaia the very best for the future.”
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
