England are searching for their next head coach following Shaun Wane’s exit.
England are searching for their next head coach and Willie Peters has been named the favourite.(Image: )
The Rugby Football League will now begin the search for England’s next head coach following Shaun Wane’s decision to step down after six years in charge.
Wane’s future came under scrutiny following last year’s Ashes whitewash at home to Australia, with the Kangaroos claiming victories in London, Liverpool and Leeds. England had also suffered a heartbreaking semi-final defeat at the 2022 World Cup – a missed opportunity for the game in the northern hemisphere that hurt few more than the head coach himself.
The 61-year-old did also enjoy success with the national side, overseeing series victories over Tonga and Samoa.
However, after taking charge of 19 matches, Wane has now departed the role, leaving England searching for a new direction – and the answer could be closer than expected.
As first reported by Yorkshire Post, Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has emerged as a candidate for the vacant position.
Peters’ appetite for the international game became apparent when he joined Kevin Walters’ coaching staff at Australia for the Ashes series.
The 46-year-old last year became the first to be named back-to-back Super League Coach of the Year, and claimed a clean sweep of trophies over newest rivals Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford in the Grand Final.
The Australian has transformed Hull KR both as a club and as a playing group, maximising the potential of his squad. Players such as Jez Litten, Mikey Lewis and Elliot Minchella have flourished under his leadership, underlining his ability to develop talent and drive standards.
Hull Live understands that the Robins’ senior playing leadership group would be supportive of Peters taking on the England role.
However, it is also understood that Peters has not held any discussions with Hull KR at this stage about the England job, with it being at the very early stage. Neither has the reigning Super League coach of the year made any representations to the RFL or anyone about the position, with the coach in Tenerife continuing preparations for the new league season at KR.
While Wane’s position was full-time, the RFL has confirmed the England head coach role will revert to a part-time post. That would likely open the door for a current Super League – or NRL – coach, with Peters already installed as the bookmakers’ favourite.
A strong advocate of Super League and highly regarded on both sides of the globe, Peters has earned widespread admiration for his work at Sewell Group Craven Park. Should England turn to him, he would appear an obvious candidate to lead the national side into this year’s Rugby League World Cup.