Tigers appoint Paul Rowley as head coach

Castleford Tigers have announced the appointment of Paul Rowley to the role of First Team Head Coach on a three-year deal.

An experienced and highly respected coach, Rowley arrives with a reputation for developing players, building strong team environments and producing an exciting, attacking brand of rugby league.

His appointment marks an exciting step forward for the Tigers as preparations continue for the 2027 season, with Rowley set to lead a squad strengthened by the Club’s new arrivals.

Rowley’s coaching career has included spells with Leigh, Toronto Wolfpack, Salford Red Devils and St Helens, bringing a wealth of experience to his new role at the OneBore Stadium.

After a sterling playing career that spanned almost 400 games, Rowley enjoyed considerable success at Leigh in his first coaching role, winning the Northern Rail Cup in 2013 and the Championship Grand Final in 2014, before guiding the Club to another first-place Championship finish in 2015. As Toronto’s inaugural Head Coach, he secured the League One title and promotion in their first season, followed by a top-of-the-table Championship finish in 2018.

His work at Salford further established him as one of the British game’s leading coaches. In his first season in charge, Rowley guided the Red Devils to the 2022 Super League play-off semi-finals on the back of an eleven game winning streak, before overseeing an impressive fourth-place finish in 2024.

Throughout that period, Salford earned widespread recognition for their attacking rugby and ability to compete with the competition’s strongest sides. Rowley played an integral role in creating an environment where players could express themselves, develop their skills and fulfil their potential.

That commitment to improvement, alongside his clear coaching philosophy and enthusiasm for the game, makes him an exciting appointment for Castleford.

With new signings joining the existing squad ahead of 2027, there is plenty for Tigers supporters to look forward to as Rowley begins shaping the team for the season ahead.

“I’m looking forward to leading Cas Tigers as their new Head Coach”, said Rowley. “From meeting Chris and the board, it immediately felt like a place I wanted to be a part of. I’m keen to get started and enjoy a new journey with this proud club.”

Director of Rugby Chris Chester added: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Paul Rowley to Castleford Tigers as our new head coach. Paul is a highly respected coach within rugby league, and we believe he is the right person to lead this club into an exciting new chapter.”

“Paul has a proven track record of building competitive teams, developing players and creating an attacking brand of rugby that supporters can get behind. He has a real passion for the game, strong leadership qualities and a clear vision of how he wants his teams to play.”

“Throughout the recruitment process, it was important for us to take our time, find someone who shared our ambitions for Castleford Tigers and understood what this club means to its supporters, the town and the wider community. Paul demonstrated those qualities, and we’re confident he can help us build something that everyone connected with the club can be proud of.”

“We know there is plenty of hard work ahead, but we have a clear direction and a determination to move this club forward.”

“I’m looking forward to working closely with Paul as we continue to strengthen the squad, develop our young talent and create a culture that delivers sustained success. We’re delighted to have him on board and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

Tigers Owner, Martin Jepson, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the club. I think he is an ideal fit for the type of rugby we want to play with proven Super League experience and speaks with real passion about the game and our club.”

"He has a reputation for getting the best out of his players and with the new signings we have made I think we can all look forward to 2027 with optimism.”