Shaun Wane backed by RFL to stay on for a further two years

Following the conclusion of the World Cup late last year and England’s semi-final defeat, the future of Shaun Wane as England boss has been long talked about.

England lost to a tier-two nation in Samoa 27-26 in the semi-final having beaten them 60-6 in the opener just a few weeks earlier and it led to some calls for Wane to leave the role.

The silence from the RFL in the following months meant that the speculation continued but today the governing body have confirmed that Wane will remain on until the 2025 World Cup in France.

It’s also been confirmed that Tom Coyd, the man who guided England’s wheelchair side to World Cup victory, will also retain his role.

Meanwhile Stuart Barrow will come in and take over the job as head coach for the women’s side, that comes after Craig Richards stepped down following his side’s semi-final defeat.

A statement from the RFL announced the news.

“England Rugby League today confirms that Shaun Wane (Men), Stuart Barrow (Women) and Tom Coyd (Wheelchair) will be the national teams’ head coaches through to the 2025 World Cup in France.

“Wane took England’s Men to the semi-finals of RLWC2021, where they were agonisingly beaten by Samoa in golden point extra-time at London’s Emirates Stadium.

“England’s Women also suffered semi-final heartbreak at RLWC2021 – Head of England Pathways Barrow is now tasked with taking the side one step further at RLWC2025.

“Barrow will be assisted by the Leeds Rhinos head coach and former England captain Lois Forsell, and Dec Hardman, who was the head coach of St Helens when they secured a Women’s Challenge Cup and Super League double in 2021.

“Coyd guided England Wheelchair to a memorable World Cup Final victory over France last Autumn and will look to repeat the magic against the French on their home soil in 2025.”

RFL Chair Simon Johnson: “I am delighted to confirm these appointments and I wish all three coaches every success – beginning with the Men’s and Women’s Mid-Season Internationals against France in April.

“The RFL Board received and considered at length a detailed review of the performance of each of the England teams at RLWC2021. No stone was left unturned in the review, which included submissions from coaches, players and staff alike. The report generated a good, robust and lengthy discussion at our February board meeting. We are confident that we have the right people in place.”

England’s men and women’s sides will face France in a double-header on Saturday 29th April at the Halliwell Jones.