St Helens have confirmed that legendary academy coach Derek Traynor will retire at the end of the season in yet another big loss for the club.
Only last week did Saints announce that assistant coach Eamon O’Carroll would leave at the end of the season in order to take up a coaching role in rugby union, however, Traynor’s exit comes as he hangs up the boots all together.
Since becoming involved with the club in 1995 before then becoming the head coach of the academy in 2005, Traynor has overseen three decades of young talent at St Helens.
During that period, St Helens have obviously been one of the dominant forces in the sport with some of their homegrown players going on to be among the very best in the world, a testament to Traynor’s coaching.
A club statement announced his impending retirement, reading: “St Helens R.F.C. can confirm that Academy Head Coach Derek Traynor will retire at the end of the 2026 season after more than 30 years of service to the Club.
“Widely regarded as one of the finest youth development coaches in Rugby League, Traynor leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having helped develop countless players who have gone on to represent St Helens and clubs across the sport.”
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St Helens farewell academy head coach after three decades
The 66-year-old Traynor was a boyhood St Helens supporter and began his time at the club in 1995 within the youth programme, eventually progressing to lead the academy.
Recent successes on field including the 2023 Academy Grand Final win whilst Traynor has also taking part in nine tours of Australia with the club’s Academy.
Speaking on his decision, Traynor admitted: “I think it’s an age thing as much as anything. Age catches up with all of us! I know, though, that we have some excellent young coaches coming through.
“I feel it’s also time to put my family first. Over the years, I’ve often put work, the Club and the players ahead of them, so it’s time to pay them back and put them firmly first.
“The very first person I have to thank is my wife, Janet, for giving me the time to go and do what I have had to do. I truly appreciate her support and understanding.”
On the future and what he hopes for St Helens, Traynor said: “I will always be a Saints fan. I want to see players like Harry Robertson play at Wembley, and I want to see Owen Dagnall and George Whitby playing in Grand Finals. When you’ve helped develop players, you want to see them succeed, and I’m sure I’ll be watching the Club enjoy success for many years to come.”
Chairman Eamonn McManus paid tribute, adding: “On behalf of everyone associated with St.Helens, I would like to thank Derek profusely for his efforts and achievements with our Academy teams over the last thirty or so years.
“He has been a major contributor to its success, and in turn, the Academy has been a major contributor to our First Team’s remarkable success during that period. Its standards have consistently been at the highest level, and it has produced some of the greatest players of the modern era.”
🗞️ Saints Academy Head Coach Derek Traynor will retire at the end of the 2026 season after more than 30 years of service to the Club.
Full story 😇 https://t.co/2BcjofUC0B#COYS
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) June 10, 2026
