St.Helens R.F.C. is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Rowley as Head Coach of our First Team on a three-year contract, which runs until the end of the 2028 Rugby League season.
Paul Rowley is proudly sponsored at St.Helens R.F.C. by JC Kitchens & Bedrooms.
Following a thorough selection process, which included coaches from across the world, Rowley has been chosen to take charge of the Saints Men’s First Team.
The appointment of Rowley is an exciting one, given his dynamic style of play and proven record of developing and improving players. The former England international has established himself as a highly sought-after coach after impressive spells in charge of Leigh, Toronto, and most recently Salford.
Preparation for the Saints’ 2026 Betfred Super League campaign is already underway, as Rowley will begin his role with the Club immediately ahead of the pre-season.
The Saints would like to say a big thank you Helicentre, and their pilot Capt. Jon Rayner, as well as our Club Partner Liverpool John Lennon Airport for their assistance with the announcement of our new Head Coach.
Helicentre is the main helicopter charter company at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and provide commercial and private helicopter training, as well as charter, surveying, sale and management.
Paul Rowley said to saintsrlfc.com: “It’s a great privilege to be joining St.Helens, and to come to an environment and organisation that’s solid and proven in success. It feels like an exciting challenge for me, different in many respects, and I’ll be looking to step in to put my own stamp on things with positive changes and have a real influence.
“I’m coming in with an open mind and new ideas, but I want to learn about all the people involved at the Club – and I mean everyone, from the Boardroom, all the staff, and the supporters. Then I’ll back my judgment and experience, looking to progress, move forward and, ultimately, win things.”
Rowley will be looking to bring his dynamic attacking style of play to St.Helens and help establish our young talent as mainstays in the First Team.
“Saints have set the benchmark for years in the physical battle. I want to work with that foundation, retain it, add more options in attack, and keep teams guessing. Being a top team in Super League means you have to keep evolving, and with the way I want to play, I believe St.Helens’ defence will allow me to add another layer to what Saints do really well.
“This is a squad that is evolving with young, talented players coming to the fore, who I’m really excited to work with, and who we will be patient with. That is something I am sure will continue to be the cornerstone of St.Helens going forward, and wanting to bring the best out of them is something I’m really looking forward to.”
The Red V’s new Head Coach is already buzzing with anticipation for the start of the 2026 Betfred Super League season.
“I can’t wait for that home atmosphere at Saints – I love Annie’s Song, that’s always been a favourite of mine so I can’t wait to hear that on a match night!
“This is a club with such a proud heritage and respect for its history, but I’m excited to be part of its future. I’ll work hard, do everything I can for the supporters.”
Chairman of St.Helens R.F.C., Eamonn McManus, said: “We warmly welcome Paul Rowley as our new Head Coach. He is both experienced and talented, and we feel that he is now ready to coach a leading club such as St.Helens.
“He is well aware of our objectives and our ambitions, and we consider that he is capable of achieving them.
“I’m sure that our fans will get behind him as we seek to get back to the top of the Super League competition. We wish him every success.”
As a player, Rowley made 400 career appearances, which included featuring for three clubs – Leigh, Halifax, and Huddersfield. He earned international honours with England, including selection for the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.
Following his retirement from playing in 2007, he joined Leigh’s coaching staff, initially becoming Head Coach in 2009 before taking charge again from the 2012 season until 2016. During that time, he won the Championship Coach of the Year Award and guided the team to two Championship titles.
Ahead of the 2017 season, Rowley was named the first coach of Toronto Wolfpack following the Canadian club’s inclusion in the Rugby Football League’s structure. His time with the Wolfpack was a big success, evidenced by winning the League One crown and securing promotion into the Championship in their first season, before finishing top of the Championship in their second year.
Initially appointed as a coaching consultant with Salford in 2019, Rowley helped the Red Devils reach the Grand Final at Old Trafford that season and the Challenge Cup Final in 2020. He then took charge of Salford as Head Coach ahead of the 2022 season, a role he held until joining the Saints. During his time in charge, he guided the Red Devils to two finishes in the Play-Off places while playing an exciting, attacking brand of rugby league.
