Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley is backing Kurt Haggerty to go on and find success at his next club, wherever that may be.
Haggerty surprised plenty on Monday night when he announced his decision to step away from Salford and move on to pastures new amid the uncertainty surrounding Salford’s 2026 campaign.
He had been set to take over from Rowley as head coach for next season and beyond, with Rowley due to become the club’s director of rugby at the end of the current campaign. However, the coach, who has served under Rowley for a number of years, has now decided not to take up that opportunity.
As such, he has left the Salford Community Stadium with immediate effect and it remains to be seen where he will end up. Whatever role Haggerty eventually takes up, though, Rowley is convinced the coach will succeed.
Salford Red Devils head coach on Kurt Haggerty exit
“I’m backing him to make a success of whatever he does, that’s what I’m backing,” Rowley said on Haggerty’s future plans.
On his departure, the head coach added: “I wouldn’t say it’s upset the build up to the game, in sport and rugby clubs in particular, things move on pretty quick, no matter who you are.
“That would be the same if I’d gone as well. For me personally, it’s upset my routine because I miss having Kurt in the room. Me and Kurt have been on an unbelievable journey together and not just at this club but prior to that at Leigh and Toronto and we’ve shared some unbelievable moments in the four years or so here at Salford.
“For me, it’s really sad that Kurt has left. He’s one of many that has left and it’s quite emotional really to lose your friend. I wish him nothing but the best, he’s been fantastic.”
With Haggerty leaving, the club now have a head coach hole to fill heading into next season. Asked whether he would consider taking Salford, who their HMRC hearing adjourned for a second time earlier today, next season, though, Rowley said: “I’ve not even thought about it.
“That’s not something that’s been discussed or thought about. I just want to get through today and then tomorrow and so on and so forth.”
