Willie Poching leaves Wakefield Trinity

Wakefield Trinity have confirmed that head coach Willie Poching has left the club.

Poching, 49, was appointed as the club’s new boss in September 2021 after acting on an interim basis previously.

In his first full season in charge, he led the club to a 10th place finish after flirting with relegation most of the season with Toulouse Olympique.

The side ended their 2022 campaign with 10 wins and finished above both their French rivals and Warrington.

Assistant coach Francis Cummins has also left the club. 

Wakefield Trinity release official statement

Chairman John Minards said. “When we appointed Willie as head coach, the nature of the arrangement was that we would review the position in 12 months’ time. Having reached the end of the 2022 playing season and secured our Super League status, the board have carefully considered all aspects of the past 12 months and decided that we need a change in our coaching set up as we move forward.

“These decisions are never easy and this one is particularly difficult given the tremendous effort, passion and energy Willie and Franny have both brought to the club.

“Willie Poching will always be a legend at Wakefield Trinity and I am personally very grateful for the way he has conducted himself in sometimes very difficult circumstances. Both he and Franny leave with our very best wishes for the future.”

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