Rugby League News | St Helens appoint Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley

Clubs are already preparing for next season’s Super League campaign

St Helens have appointed Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley as their new manager on a three-year contract.

Author | Oliver W

An exciting new chapter, and it begins now!#COYS | @plattyphoto pic.twitter.com/nFx4YimJK4

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) October 17, 2025

The 50-year-old succeeds Paul Wellens after the club decided against renewing his deal.

Rowley has spent the past four seasons in charge at Salford, who were relegated from Super League on Thursday following a turbulent year off the field. He had been due to take up a director of rugby role with the club next season.

Rowley replaces club legend Wellens, whose departure after three seasons in charge was confirmed earlier this month.

Wellens, who made 495 appearances for St Helens as a player, was unable to replicate the remarkable run of success achieved under Justin Holbrook and Kristian Woolf, when Saints won four consecutive Grand Finals between 2019 and 2022.

Saints finished fifth in Super League last season before losing to eventual champions Hull KR in the play-off semi-finals.

Credit in the bank despite turbulent spell at Salford

Rowley previously managed Leigh between 2012 and 2016 before taking charge of Toronto Wolfpack for two years.

He joined Salford initially as a coaching consultant in 2019 and was appointed head coach ahead of the 2022 campaign.

His first three seasons brought two play-off finishes, but hopes of further progress in 2025 were undermined by serious financial difficulties.

The Red Devils’ off-field problems saw most of their senior squad depart, leaving Rowley to field makeshift sides on a weekly basis. He is very well regarded by Salford fans. Check out the statement from fans group 'The 1873'.

Thank you, Paul Rowley.

Through the most trying times, you were often the glue that held the place together.

With leadership, with pride and with passion.

Forever Salford.

The 1873 pic.twitter.com/k0QVNnjNed

— The 1873 (@The1873_) October 17, 2025

Despite those challenges, Salford managed three Super League wins, though they were docked two points for failing to fulfil a fixture against Wakefield.

Before their final game of the season last month, Rowley admitted he was "relieved to have reached the end of the year."