Star Metro - England rugby league coach Wane quits role

Wane led his country through the 2022 World Cup and last year's Ashes series defeat against Australia.

The Rugby Football League said Wane's successor, who will be hired ahead of this year's World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, would be a part-time appointment.

"It has been the honour of my life to coach England rugby league over the last six years but after careful reflection I believe the time is right to step aside and allow the programme to move forward into its next chapter," said Wane.

"The privilege of leading my country in a World Cup, an Ashes series on home soil and securing victories over Tonga and Samoa will live long in the memory."

The 61-year-old oversaw England's run to the World Cup semi-finals four years ago, when they suffered an agonising loss to Samoa at the Emirates Stadium.

Although Wane guided England to series wins over Tonga in 2023 and Samoa a year later, he faced criticism after losing all three Tests against Australia last October and November.

S.Belanger--SMC