England rugby league head coach latest as RFL reveal five-person interview panel

The RFL have provided some clarity over the process to appoint England’s next head coach ahead of the Rugby League World Cup this autumn.

Newly-appointed RFL Chairman, Nigel Wood, has revealed the steps the governing body will take in order to select the right person to lead the country in the upcoming tournament.

England have been without a coach since mid-January, after the decision to part company with Shaun Wane after five years was confirmed. His exit came on the back of a poor Ashes defeat against Australia, where England lost 3-0 and only managed to score 18 points across the three games.

A five-strong panel will soon get together to interview any interested parties, and they will then recommend the RFL board who they believe should be appointed over the next few weeks.

The panel consists of Wood himself, as well as interim RFL Chief Executive Abi Ekoku. Non-executive Director Sara Symington is also included, as is Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield, who is a former Golden Boot winner and the current assistant head coach of the England rugby union team. RFL Executive Director of Performance & Participation Marc Lovering will also offer support.

In terms of interested parties, Willie Peters was set to be the frontrunner, however his decision to take up a role with the PNG Chiefs in the NRL means he has withdrawn from the running.

Leeds boss Brad Arthur remains interested, as does St Helens’ Paul Rowley. Sam Burgess of Warrington Wolves is said to be another man that would like to pursue the role.

The governing body have also confirmed that the person to take the role will only be appointed for the upcoming World Cup, with a decision on the long-term successor set to be made after the tournament.

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RFL set to appoint England boss for Rugby League World Cup

Wood, who is also Chair of RL Commercial, said: “We are entering a crucial time as we bid to secure the right person to lead England’s men’s team into the upcoming World Cup.

“It is an exciting period for the sport, especially given how our athletes have already made such excellent starts to the new Super League season.

“The autumn’s Ashes series whetted the appetite for international rugby league and everyone here is looking forward to the prospect of heading to Australia at the end of this campaign for the 17th edition of the World Cup.

“We have had applications and enquiries from a wide-range of world-class coaches, from both here and in the NRL.

“With the aid of our newly-assembled panel, we will now conduct interviews to narrow down our short-list in readiness to find the ideal candidate.”