Shaun Wane agrees England extension
England coach Shaun Wane has agreed a contract extension until the end of 2022, despite not yet taking charge of a match.
Wane, 55, succeeded Wayne Bennett earlier this year to take charge ahead of the 2021 World Cup and he has impressed RFL officials sufficiently enough to earn a new deal.
CEO Ralph Rimmer said: “Shaun has made a great impression within the RFL and across the sport in general, and I am delighted that he will be staying on beyond the 2021 World Cup. He has proved himself to be both energetic and versatile in difficult times and has adapted to what is in front of him.
“We are well aware that Shaun has recently attracted the attention of several NRL clubs and wanted to ensure that he had enough security that kept him absolutely focused on the job in hand.
“Like all of us Shaun is bitterly disappointed not to be facing the Kangaroos this autumn, but he is not letting this short-term setback stand in the way of his long-term aim to make England the number one side in the world.
“Shaun’s passion for England Rugby League is matched by meticulous planning and preparation, and come autumn 2021 there will not be a better-prepared international side at the World Cup.”
The COVID-19 pandemic put paid to any hopes of a mid-season international, while also cancelling the highly-anticipated Kangaroos tour at the end of this year.
That means it’s likely to be at least mid-season next year until Wane gets to take charge of the national team.
The three-time Super League winning coach has appointed all the key personnel to the England senior programme, including Hull’s Andy Last and Paul Wellens of St Helens as assistant coaches, and has met with coaching staff across all England’s performance departments.
He said: “It’s an honour to be England Head Coach so I didn’t have to think too hard about extending my contract.
“Like everybody else I’ve missed the live action but it’s given me extra time to talk with players, build relationships, share ideas and let them know what they need to do to make the England team.
“Now Super League is back up and running I’m excited to see the players back on the field, doing what they do best and developing the winning mentality needed for World Cup success.”
