Paul Wellens to depart the Saints after three years as head coach

St Helens have announced that Paul Wellens will not be offered a further contract with the Club for the 2026 season, bringing his time as First Team Head Coach to an end after three years. 

Club Chairman Eamonn McManus stated: “Paul’s contribution to the history of our club has been without equal. 

“As a player, he won every honour available in our sport and was at the epicentre of our incredible success story during his seventeen-year playing career at the Saints.

“Who can ever forget his on-field reaction as our captain at the end of our 2014 Grand Final victory over Wigan. It epitomised his devotion to the Saints and encapsulated his lifelong passion and dedication to our club and to this town.

“As Head Coach, he started his career with the greatest achievement in our over 150-year history when he led us to victory over Penrith Panthers to win the World Club Challenge on Australian soil in 2023.

“He has since committed his life in every way to the Club as our Head Coach. He has always done so with professionalism, dignity, and class. He’s been a supreme ambassador to our club and to our sport.

“It has therefore been the most difficult decision to make, but we have now decided to move in a new direction and to appoint a new Head Coach. We now begin that search.

“Paul will still be part of the fabric of our club and will always be warmly welcomed by everyone and at all times. We wish him every success in his future career and wish him and his family only well.”

Paul Wellens commented: “Following a meeting with the Club, I have been informed that they will be looking to appoint a new Head Coach for the 2026 season.

“Whilst I’m naturally disappointed that my time at the Club will be coming to an end, I also respect that decision and would like to thank Eamonn for his honesty in what I know would have been an extremely difficult conversation. We have developed a close working relationship for the best part of 25 years, and despite the difficult nature of such discussions, our friendship remains very much intact.

“I would also like to thank the staff with whom I’ve worked very closely with over my three years as Head Coach of the Club. Your professionalism and work ethic is greatly appreciated, and I know how much the team values the constant support you give them.

“To the players and your families, both past and present, a huge thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. Whilst we are in hugely privileged positions, I also understand that to play this game at the highest level requires great sacrifice, and it’s important I place on record my gratitude for those sacrifices.

“Finally, a message to the ardent supporters of this great club, I want to thank you for your unwavering support. I have been blown away by the personal interactions I’ve had around this town, genuine people who are caring and supportive in the good moments, but more importantly, when times have become challenging, for that support, I extend a heartfelt thank you.”

Paul has been one of the greatest servants to the St Helens club as both a player and a coach, and it is a difficult day for all involved.

A legendary player, Wellens made 495 match appearances for the Red V and played a huge part in the Club winning: two World Club Challenges, five League Leaders’ Shields, five Super League titles, and five Challenge Cup trophies. An England and Great Britain international he also earned individual honours, including the Man of Steel, Lance Todd, and Harry Sunderland awards.

Following his retirement from playing professional rugby league in 2015, Wellens joined St.Helens’ coaching staff, working in a number of roles, including with our Academy, before becoming an Assistant Coach with the First Team. Paul played his part in the Saints’ historic four-in-a-row Super League title victories between 2019 and 2022, including three League Leaders Shields in 2018, 2019 and 2022, with a Challenge Cup trophy win in 2021 as well.

In his first competitive match in charge as Head Coach, Wellens led our team to the seismic 2023 World Club Challenge victory over Penrith Panthers in Australia, making the Saints World Club Champions for the third time.

Over his three seasons in charge, Wellens has blooded in some top-quality young talent who should be the foundation of a promising Saints future.

Paul has given countless St Helens supporters around the world many wonderful memories, and he will always be made to feel at home at the club.

St Helens are making no further comment at this time.