Shaun Wane’s name frequently surfaces whenever an NRL position opens up, but the England head coach has reiterated his dedication to both his international role and his position at Wigan Warriors. Having guided his hometown team to three Super League titles, a Challenge Cup, and a World Club Challenge before departing in 2018, Wane returned to Wigan in a leadership role for the 2022 season, working alongside head coach Matt Peet.
Since then, he has helped Wigan secure every available trophy in just two and a half years, making them only the third club in the modern era to hold all honors simultaneously after their latest Challenge Cup victory. Wane, 59, was previously linked to the South Sydney Rabbitohs job earlier this year, and the Parramatta Eels job remains open for 2025 in Australia.
However, Wane has affirmed his commitment to his current roles, with the next World Cup set to take place in Australia in 2026. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he said, “I love the England job. I’m absolutely blessed, I never thought I’d get the job, and now to have it and to play three Tests against Tonga, and now we’ve got Samoa and the Ashes in Australia coming up, it’s a dream I never thought I’d have.
“I’m solely thinking about England. I have a busy life with my Wigan commitments, and I do a lot of speaking and a few other things. I love it at Wigan and dealing with Matt every day, and the coaches and the players.
“The club has grown from strength to strength. Still having an influence on what we do and how we do it is great for me. I’ve known Matt for many years, and obviously with Lockers (Sean O’Loughlin) and Tommy (Leuluai), we go back a long way.
“And then through our junior coaches we’ve got Joel (Tomkins) back involved, and John Duffy and Shane Eccles, our head of youth. Kris Radlinski has put a really strong team together and it’s really enjoyable for me to do that job alongside England.
“I’m living the dream. I love this game, and the chance to coach my country and be involved at Wigan; I have a good life.”
Shaun Wane is frequently mentioned for NRL openings, but the England head coach has reiterated his commitment to his international duties and his role at Wigan Warriors. After leading his hometown team to three Super League titles, a Challenge Cup, and a World Club Challenge before leaving in 2018, Wane returned to Wigan in a leadership role in 2022 to work alongside head coach Matt Peet.
Since his return, Wane has contributed to Wigan winning every available trophy within just two and a half years, making them only the third club in the modern era to hold all honors simultaneously following their recent Challenge Cup victory. The 59-year-old was previously linked to the South Sydney Rabbitohs job earlier this year, and the Parramatta Eels job remains open for the 2025 season in Australia.
However, Wane has emphasized his commitment to his current positions, with the next World Cup set for Australia in 2026. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he expressed, “I love the England job. I feel incredibly fortunate, never expecting to get this role, and now to have it and play three Tests against Tonga, with Samoa and the Ashes in Australia ahead, it’s a dream come true.
“My focus is entirely on England. I lead a busy life with my responsibilities at Wigan, along with other engagements. I love being at Wigan, interacting with Matt daily, and working with the coaches and players.
“The club has continuously strengthened. Being able to influence our operations is immensely satisfying for me. I’ve known Matt for many years, and with Lockers (Sean O’Loughlin) and Tommy (Leuluai), we have a long history together.
“We also have our junior coaches, including Joel (Tomkins), John Duffy, and Shane Eccles, our head of youth, who are all back involved. Kris Radlinski has assembled a robust team, making my dual role with England and Wigan highly enjoyable.
“I’m living the dream. My passion for this game and the opportunity to coach my country while being involved with Wigan is a blessing. I have a good life.”