St Helens appoint Australia boss Walters as head coach

St Helens appoint Australia boss Kevin Walters as head coach for next three Super League seasons Kevin Walters has signed a three-year deal with St Helens to take the reins at the club; He is currently the Australia head coach and will lead them at this autumn's World Cup; round 24 of Super League continues on Thursday August 20, live on Sky Sports Thursday 20 August 2026 06:33, UK St Helens have announced the appointment of Australia boss Kevin Walters as their head coach on a three-year deal from the start of the 2027 Super League season. As the Kangaroos' head coach, Walters guided Australia to a 3-0 whitewash over England in last autumn's Ashes series. Prior to taking on the international role, Walters was in charge of Brisbane Broncos, whom he guided to the NRL Grand Final in 2023. - Super League's Final Charge: Seven teams in contention - Super League fixtures & results | Super League table - Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free on NOW - Choose the Sky Sports notifications you want He has also taking charge of Queensland and had a prior brief stint in Super League in 2009 and 2010 with Catalans Dragons. Walters will take the reins at the Saints following the conclusion of the Rugby League World Cup this autumn. Reports in Australia suggest that it is the biggest coaching deal offered in St Helens' 153-year history. St Helens sacked head coach Paul Rowley just 17 games into his time at the club amid a difficult 2026 season and assistant coach Eamonn O'Carroll has been in charge since as the club battle to try and not miss the play-offs for the first time in their history. On joining St Helens, Walters said: "St Helens are one of the most iconic and successful brands in rugby league. I am honoured to be given the opportunity by the Chairman, Eamonn McManus, and the St Helens Board 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. "For me, the foundation of success is creating the right environment where the players and staff enjoy coming to training and working hard for each other, as well as the Saints sponsors, fans and the wider community. "At the end of last year, I was in England for the Ashes Series as the Kangaroos Head Coach. 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." 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. "We would like to place on record our thanks to the understanding and professionalism of Peter V'Landys and the ARL Commission in facilitating Kevin's move to us. "Eamon O'Carroll will continue as our interim head coach until the end of this season. He has been magnificent for us under testing circumstances, and I am sure that our fans will remain firmly behind him and the team."