St Helens coach Paul Rowley steps down after less than a year
July 25, 2026 ·
Paul Rowley has resigned from his post as St Helens coach after less than a year, amid the difficult situation the team is facing in the Super League.
St Helens coach Paul Rowley steps down after less than a year
According to Sports.
Background
Paul Rowley previously managed Salford Red Devils before joining St Helens, where he faced the huge challenge of managing a struggling team. During his tenure, St Helens not only struggled in the league but also faced injury problems which made the situation worse. With his resignation, the club is now in search of a new coach who can restore the team's performance.
Why this is important
Paul Rowley's resignation from St Helens marks a significant change in the dynamics of a Super League club that has struggled to find its best form. With the team currently in sixth place and experiencing an injury crisis, this decision reflects the urgent need to improve the situation and return to winning ways. This also shows the challenges that coaches face in managing a team that has a history of high success.
Main Points
- St Helens coach Paul Rowley steps down after less than a year.
- Paul Rowley has resigned from his post as St Helens coach after less than a year, amid the difficult situation the team is facing in the Super League.
- St Helens boss Rowley leaves after less than a year - Yahoo Sports.
St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has announced his resignation from the Super League club's coaching position with immediate effect, less than a year after taking charge. Rowley, who is 51, joined St Helens ahead of the 2026 season, having previously managed Salford Red Devils. At Salford, he ended his tenure after the club experienced financial difficulties in the 2025 season.
Since joining St Helens, the team has experienced difficulties in form and is currently sixth in the standings, six points behind leaders, Leeds Rhinos. The team has also lost six of their last ten matches in all competitions. Rowley's resignation was announced before the derby against Wigan Warriors which was scheduled to take place on Friday.
"This decision has been an extremely difficult one for all parties involved, and we are fully aware of the additional challenges Paul faces this season," said club chairman Eamonn McManus. "We as a club must look forward and do everything we can to maintain our position as the most successful club in Super League history and restore our position as trophy contenders in the future."
Assistant coach Eamon O'Carroll will take over on an interim basis, with the club paying tribute to Rowley for his achievements during a difficult time. O'Carroll, a former Ireland international, played for Wigan, Hull FC and Widnes before turning to coaching after retirement. He has some experience as an assistant at the Catalans Dragons and has also been head coach at Newcastle Thunder and Bradford Bulls.
Rowley came to St Helens, a club that had dominated domestic rugby league in the northern hemisphere during the early part of the decade, achieving four consecutive Super League Grand Final wins as well as a historic victory in the World Club Challenge. Former coach Paul Wellens chose not to extend his contract after a season which saw St Helens stage one of the greatest comebacks when beating Leeds Rhinos in the Super League play-offs last season. Rowley takes over after leading the Red Devils for four seasons, which ended in unfortunate circumstances due to the financial crisis that hit the club.
Despite starting his tenure with a Challenge Cup win over Workington, St Helens began their 2026 Super League campaign with a loss to Warrington, but managed to win ten of their next eleven games in all competitions. One of the best moments under Rowley's leadership was their comeback in the Easter derby against Wigan. However, they also lost heavily to their rivals in the Challenge Cup not long after, with Wigan coach Matt Peet questioning St Helens' credentials.
Reflecting on St Helens' declining form since that semi-final defeat, including another dismal defeat to Wigan at Magic Weekend and a heavy 46-0 defeat to Toulouse this month, the team is now in danger of failing to reach the play-offs if they don't recover quickly.
What happened next
With Eamon O'Carroll taking over as caretaker coach, St Helens will be looking to turn things around ahead of the derby against Wigan Warriors. The club is expected to immediately look for a permanent coach who can bring the new vision and strategy needed to return the team to winning ways. Their main focus is maintaining their reputation as one of the most successful clubs in Super League history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Paul Rowley?
Paul Rowley announced his resignation as head coach of St Helens after less than a year in the role.
Who confirmed Paul Rowley's resignation?
Club chairman Eamonn McManus confirmed Paul Rowley's resignation.
Why is Paul Rowley stepping down now?
Rowley withdrew after St Helens struggled with form, sitting sixth in the table and losing six of their last ten games.
What changes occurred after Rowley's resignation?
Assistant coach Eamon O'Carroll will take over as coach on an interim basis.
When will Paul Rowley's resignation be announced?
Rowley's resignation was announced before the derby against Wigan Warriors which was scheduled to take place on Friday.