England to make head coaching announcements next week

The Rugby Football League will announce their head coaching appointments for the England men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams on Tuesday at midday.

Shaun Wane’s contract expired following last year’s World Cup, and it has yet to be confirmed whether he will remain in charge moving forward.

Wane guided his country to the World Cup semi-finals, where they just fell short to Samoa in golden point extra-time.

For the women’s team, meanwhile, Craig Richards stepped down from his role as head coach after their World Cup campaign. It’s believed that he will be replaced by Stuart Barrow, who was on Richards’ coaching staff.

And for the wheelchair, Tom Coyd led his England side to World Cup glory. They beat rivals France in a thriller at a packed out Manchester Central.

The RFL will announce the head coaches for all three teams on Tuesday at midday.

England duo want to see Shaun Wane remain as head coach

England pair Tommy Makinson and Morgan Knowles want to see Wane extend his time as head coach, saying that he’s the right man for the job.

Makinson and Knowles, who both play for Super League champions St Helens, both played in England’s heartbreaking 27-26 defeat against Samoa in last year’s World Cup semi-finals.

Makinson wants to see Wane sign a new deal, telling Love Rugby League in January: “Without a shadow of a doubt and I’m not just saying it because he was our coach. He was brilliant.

“We got beat in the semi-final of a World Cup. If that drop goal didn’t go over and we went up the other end and kicked a drop goal then performed against Australia, it’s a different story.

“I don’t know if Waney has got a year or two left or if he’s not, but I’d encourage the board to make sure it’s Waney going forward.

“He’s class, he’s one of my favourite coaches.

“He has been so successful with Wigan in the past. I don’t see anyone else who can take this country going forward at the minute. I feel like he’s the man, for sure.”

And Knowles shared similar thoughts to Makinson, saying he hopes to see Wane remain as England boss.

“Waney was good, I enjoyed my time with him,” Knowles told Love Rugby League.

“With the international calendar, I don’t know where it’s up to or whether Waney is still in charge going forward. Hopefully that’s the case but I’m sure it’ll be clear soon, hopefully.”

Sky Sports to show mid-season internationals

Sky Sports will broadcast England’s mid-season international double-header live from the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington.

Reporter Jenna Brooks confirmed the news ahead of Leeds’ home clash against Hull FC in Super League.

England’s men and women sides will both play France’s respective teams on Saturday, April 29.

After both losing in their respective World Cup semi-finals, the England teams will be looking to build again towards the next tournament in 2025, which will be held in France.

A break has been arranged in the domestic season to enable the fixtures to take place on April 29. The women will kick off at 2pm, with the men at 4:30pm.

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