Rugby League Apr 02, 2026

Paul Rowley: St Helens head coach interested in taking charge of England for Rugby League World Cup

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Paul Rowley: St Helens head coach interested in taking charge of England for Rugby League World Cup

St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has expressed his interest in the vacant England head coach job, saying he has a "burning desire" to coach his country.

England are currently without a head coach after of the national side.

Wane's departure came following England's 3-0 Ashes defeat last October in which they were beaten comprehensively by Australia in all three Tests.

With a Rugby League World Cup this autumn, there has been a hunt for Wane's replacement and Willie Peters' move to the PNG Chiefs from 2027 onwards put a spanner in the works.

Speaking ahead of the Good Friday derby between St Helens and Wigan Warriors, live on Your Site, Rowley said: "As a player, representing your country is the biggest accolade you can get.

"As a coach I have a burning desire to coach England."

Hull KR head coach Peter was believed to be the frontrunner to take on the job but has since reportedly stepped down from his role as Kangaroos assistant coach and removed himself from the process to be considered as England head coach.

That means the search continues into April, with many believing Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur could be the coach called upon to lead the national side into the World Cup.

However, Rowley, who represented England during his playing career, said he would "embrace" the opportunity and it is a goal in his career to get to be involved with England in a coaching capacity.

"Willie Peters has the credentials but I think that might have drifted now. He would have been a strong favourite and rightly so, he's been phenomenal in his time here.

"It is something I would embrace and I would love a piece of that.

"That would absolutely be on my goals to achieve and a burning desire to do so because singing the anthem and leading out your country as a player or coach is an unbelievable feeling and would get the heart pumping."

Your Site will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on

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