Following the resignation of Daryl Powell, Sam Burgess has been named as the new head coach of Warrington Wolves on a two-year contract.
Warrington Wolves have announced that Sam Burgess would take over as manager after signing a multi-year contract. Wolves have not won in the Super League since early June and are having their worst season in over 20 years.
Following Daryl Powell’s departure, am Burgess has been hired as Warrington Wolves’ new head coach on a two-year contract.
Burgess, who achieved multiple international caps for England in both rugby league and union and won an NRL title with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, emerged as the frontrunner for the post following Justin Holbrook’s choice to stay in the NRL.
He has only been head coach of one team – Orara Valley Axemen – and has been more well known for his assistant coaches role at South Sydney Rabbitohs since retiring as a player in 2019.
“I’m pleased to confirm I will take on the role of head coach at the Warrington Wolves for seasons 24/25,” said Burgess.
“From playing in the Super League to having the opportunity to lead an incredible club, it’s a full circle moment and one I am fully committed to and excited by.
“I want to thank Simon (Moran), Stuart (Middleton) and Karl (Fitzpatrick) at the Wolves for their courage and collaboration, as I look forward to returning to England to coach this great club.
“To Russell (Crowe), Blake (Solly), JD (Jason Demetriou) and the stakeholders at South Sydney, thank you for supporting me in taking on this new position. We still have an opportunity to play some great football for the remainder of the year and to do so alongside our current staff and squad, is my focus.”
The Wolves’ heavy 42-6 defeat to Wakefield at the end of July led to Powell’s departure. It was followed by another loss to Catalans Dragons a week later, which extended the club’s worst run of results in a single season for over 20 years.
Wolves are fifth in the Super League with three games remaining and chairman Stuart Middleton says Burgess’ plan to take the club forward stood out.
“We’re thrilled to have Sam join us as our new head coach. He is an impressive, young and determined coach with a huge reputation within the sport,” said Middleton.
“He was a leader for both club and country at the highest level throughout his playing career and is extremely well-driven to now make his mark as a coach in Super League.
“The ambition he has for the club and the culture he wants to instil really impressed and stood out for us during the interview process. We firmly believe he is the right man to take the club forward.
“We’re delighted also that Gary (Chambers) has agreed to become the club’s director of rugby. As part of our review of the rugby operations we feel this new role will be strategically integral to both the short and long term vision of the club.
Gary’s expertise and knowledge of the game, combined with his love for the club, make him an ideal fit. He is highly regarded by the players, staff, and fans, and I am pleased for him to lead the club forward in this next chapter alongside Sam.”
