Update on Shaun Wane’s future as England coach

This month marked three years since Shaun Wane became England boss and although he revealed during the World Cup that he was signed on for 2023, there has been plenty of speculation since England’s exit from the World Cup exit that he could be relieved of his duties as the RFL conduct a review into what went wrong in the tournament.

Wane has been in charge of the national team since 2020 having replaced another legendary coach in Wayne Bennett.

Prior to being England boss Wane had ruled the roost at Wigan where he won three Grand Finals and one Challenge Cup – highlighting his credentials as a proven winner.

Despite that there’s been calls for Wane to leave his role as England head coach after the heart-breaking 27-26 defeat to Samoa in the World Cup semi-final – a humbling day after they had defeated that same Samoa team 60-6 just under four weeks earlier.

One man who believes Wane is still the man for the job is former England international and Super League legend Andy Lynch.

Lynch represented England on four occasions and Great Britain once in a career that spanned almost 20 years and left him just two games shy of Kevin Sinfield for all-time Super League appearances with 452.

Serious About Rugby League spoke with the former Castleford, Bradford and Hull man about the status of Wane.

“For me when you ask ‘does Shaun Wane stay or does Shaun Wane go’, there’s only one answer and he’s got to stay,” Lynch stated.

“I just think that the way he coaches teams, his record in general coaching, the way he is as a bloke. He’s straight up and tells you how it is. You find with some coaches they’re great at position specifics but some can’t man manage. He’s probably one of a few that I personally think is a complete coach.

“For me, 100% Shaun should stay and remain as England coach, just the way he is. He’s someone I really admire with the way he played and the way he coaches as well.”

Meanwhile a player Shaun Wane couldn’t call upon during the World Cup because of injury, Harry Newman, echoed these views:

“Yeah definitely think he’s the right man for the job. I’ve had some great conversations with him, I get on really well. He’s a great coach, I think England were unfortunate and didn’t quite get it right but that’s a collective but come the next World Cup we will be ready.”

This comes as the likes of Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont backed him to stay on but the RFL are still conducting their review.

But when will a decision be reached?

Serious About Rugby League understands that the earliest we could see a decision is the 20th February as to not overshadow the launch of Super League which comes on the 16th February as Warrington Wolves host Leeds Rhinos in the first game.

This would be quite late considering England have a game against France in April.