Headline: St Helens Appoints Kevin Walters as New Head Coach Starting Next Season
St Helens has confirmed the hiring of Kevin Walters as head coach, effective next season. The 58-year-old currently leads the Australian national team, having achieved a 3-0 victory against England during last year’s Ashes tour. He will continue in this role through the World Cup in October and November, before starting his three-year tenure with St Helens in 2027.
Walters has a wealth of coaching experience, previously managing the Catalans Dragons in Super League, as well as overseeing the Queensland and NRL team Brisbane Broncos.
“St Helens are one of the most iconic and successful brands in rugby league,” Walters stated on the club website. “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead a club with so much history. I look forward to bringing my experiences as a coach and blending those learnings into the winning culture of St Helens.”
He also expressed his admiration for the English players, noting, “At the end of last year I witnessed first hand how tough, physical, and skilful the English players were. I look forward to being a part of Super League in 2027 with the Saints.”
As a player, Walters boasts an impressive record with six NRL Premierships, 20 State of Origin appearances, and 11 Test caps for the Kangaroos, including participation in Australia’s 1992 World Cup-winning squad.
Chairman Eamonn McManus remarked on Walters’ extensive experience in both club and representative levels. “Kevin’s vast experience at both club and representative levels is self-evident. His motivation to succeed with the task at hand was both clear and compelling to us, as shown by the major career sacrifices that he is making in Australia to join St Helens. This is a major statement of ambition both by St Helens and by Super League.”
Eamon O’Carroll will remain as the interim head coach until the conclusion of this season, following the departure of Paul Rowley in July after less than one year in the role.
The Saints have faced a challenging season, currently sitting seventh in the table and risk missing the Super League play-offs for the first time in their history, with three games left in the season. Former coach Paul Wellens chose not to extend his contract last year after leading the team through a season marked by one of the greatest comebacks in history against Leeds Rhinos in the Super League play-offs.
McManus praised O’Carroll’s efforts, stating, “He has been magnificent for us under testing circumstances, and I am sure that our fans will remain firmly behind him and the team.”
St Helens have announced current Australia head coach Kevin Walters will join them as head coach from next season.
The 58-year-old guided the Kangaroos to a 3-0 win over England in last year’s Ashes tour and will remain with them for the World Cup on home soil in October and November before commencing a three-year contract with Saints in 2027.
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Walters has previously coached Catalans Dragons in Super League as well as Queensland and NRL side Brisbane Broncos.
“St Helens are one of the most iconic and successful brands in rugby league,” Walters told the club website. “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead a club with so much history.
“I look forward to bringing my experiences as a coach and blending those learnings into the winning culture of St Helens.
“At the end of last year I witnessed first hand how tough, physical, and skilful the English players were. I look forward to being a part of Super League in 2027 with the Saints.”
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As a player, Walters won six NRL Premierships, made 20 State of Origin appearances, and 11 Test matches for the Kangaroos, including being part of Australia’s 1992 World Cup-winning team.
Chairman Eamonn McManus added: “Kevin’s vast experience at both club and representative levels is self-evident.
“His motivation to succeed with the task at hand was both clear and compelling to us, as shown by the major career sacrifices that he is making in Australia to join St Helens.
“This is a major statement of ambition both by St Helens and by Super League.”
Eamon O’Carroll will continue as Saints interim head coach until the end of this season following the departure of Paul Rowley in July after less than a year at the helm.
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Saints have endured a torrid season with injuries heavily contributing to them being in danger of missing the Super League play-offs for the first time ever, sitting seventh in the table with three games remaining.
Former boss Paul Wellens opted not to extend his contract last year following a season when Saints pulled off one of the greatest comebacks ever when they beat Leeds Rhinos in the Super League play-offs.
On O’Carroll, McManus added: “He has been magnificent for us under testing circumstances, and I am sure that our fans will remain firmly behind him and the team.”
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