Warrington Wolves confirm Sam Burgess has “full backing” of players as 2026 decision made

Warrington Wolves’ chairman Stuart Middleton has released a statement on the club and Sam Burgess following last week’s shock loss to Salford Red Devils.

The statement has confirmed that the club are fully backing Sam Burgess with the Englishman set to lead the club into 2026.

Following last Friday’s shocking defeat, falling 25-12 to a Salford side featuring nine loanees, crisis talks were reportedly held at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Sam Burgess did not speak to Sky Sports on their televised coverage with commentator Mark Wilson taking to X to report that the head coach was in a “meeting with Gary Chambers”, the club’s director of rugby.

Club chairman Stuart Middleton has now penned a statement with last week’s loss addressed and a message sent to the fans, though ultimately it’s the backing of Sam Burgess that stands out.

“Sam Burgess has the full backing of the playing group,” it confirms, adding: “He will lead Warrington Wolves into 2026 as head coach. He is ambitious, driven and determined to put things right.”

Warrington Wolves chairman releases statement after Salford Red Devils loss

The statement started by addressing the defeat and explaining what had happened in the days since.

It read: “Last week’s performance hurt us all.

“This season has not met the standards we expect. Over the past few days I’ve sat down with players, coaches and staff across the club. The message was clear and united: this is not good enough, and things must change.

“Our supporters work hard all week and spend their hard-earned money to follow this club. We understand the sacrifices you make, and it is our responsibility to repay that faith with committed, honest performances.”

Having backed Burgess to continue, the statement turned to what the club will look like in 2026 with a stated goal of backing their youth systems whilst also adding further recruits.

Middleton said: “We remain committed to our vision of building a team founded on homegrown talent and, with our academy finishing the regular season unbeaten, the future looks bright.

“Recruitment is key and must be better, but let me be clear, there will be no passengers.

“Two new players have already been announced, with further updates to follow as change is implemented.”

As for this season, injuries were noted but not used as an excused as a final message to the fans was sent.

“We cannot overlook the impact injuries to key players have had on our season and the disruption this causes to our combinations. However, while it is a factor, it is no excuse.

“You, the fans, deserve better. This club does not exist without you. Now it is down to us to earn your support back, not with words, but with performances that reflect what this town and community stand for.”

A Club update from Chairman, Stuart Middleton. pic.twitter.com/jscWRDAFjO

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) September 2, 2025