Steve McCormack swaps Wigan for Rugby League Cares

Steve McCormack will leave Wigan to join charity Rugby League Cares as transition manager in March.

The appointment will see McCormack work alongside full-time players as they approach the end of their playing careers to help them prepare for life after rugby.

He will also provide support to players across the game alongside the clubs’ dedicated player welfare managers.

On his new job, McCormack said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to get stuck into helping players across the game in my new role as transition manager.

“I’ve been involved in working with players on planning for what they’re going to do after their rugby careers are over since I first got into coaching at Salford in 1998.

“Rugby league has the best player welfare systems in sport and a lot of that is down to the hard work and dedication of organisations like RL Cares and people like Emma Rosewarne.

“Through their efforts there has been a massive increase in awareness among the players of the need to think about transitioning as early as possible.

“It’s a very exciting role and one I feel I have been preparing for over many years. I really appreciate Wigan’s understanding in allowing me to take up this position and I’d like to thank them for their support over the last couple of years.

“Working with my hometown club in Challenge Cup finals, Super League Grand Finals and World Club Challenges has been an incredible experience, as has being part of an organisation that recognises the importance of player welfare.”

McCormack’s work as player welfare manager has seen the Super League champions become recognised as one of the most progressive in British sport in the welfare field.