Paul Rowley has left St Helens with immediate effect, bringing an end to his spell as head coach less than a year after he was appointed in October 2025.
The 51-year-old’s departure was confirmed on Friday, just before St Helens were due to face Wigan Warriors in the derby. The club said Eamon O'Carroll will take over as interim head coach.
Why the move happened
St Helens said the decision followed a difficult run of results and an injury crisis. The club are sixth in the table and six points behind Leeds Rhinos, which leaves them in danger of missing the play-offs if their form does not improve quickly.
Rowley’s tenure included a strong start to the 2026 season. St Helens opened with a defeat by Warrington, then won 10 of their following 11 matches in all competitions. That run included an Easter derby comeback win over Wigan, although the Warriors responded soon after by beating Saints in the Challenge Cup.
The pressure has increased again this month after St Helens lost 46-0 to Toulouse. That result underlined the wider inconsistency that has marked their season and left the club looking for a reset.
What it means for St Helens
Rowley arrived after four seasons in charge of Salford Red Devils, and the move to St Helens was meant to keep the club near the top of Super League. Instead, the Saints now need to steady a season that has been affected by injuries and a loss of momentum.
In announcing the change, Eamonn McManus said the decision was “an extremely difficult one for all concerned” and said the club recognised the extra challenges Rowley faced this season. He also said St Helens must now look forward and do everything possible to preserve their status as the most successful club in Super League history and return to being a silverware contender.
That is the immediate task for O'Carroll and the rest of the coaching staff. With the table tightening and the derby against Wigan coming next, St Helens have little time to settle into a new routine.
