Last has been involved with the England set up for the last few years.
Andy Last in England training.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC interim head coach Andy Last has finally had his England assistant coach position clarified by the RFL.
Last, back in the Hull hotseat once again for the rest of the 2026 season, was one of former coach Shaun Wane’s assistants for the national side for the last five years. However, after the Wigan-born coach ‘stepped down’ earlier this year, with Brian McDermott appointed last week as his successor, he was left in limbo in regard to his position.
But that position has now been cleared up, with Hull Live told that Last was notified by email last Friday that McDermott will be selecting his own coaching team. Last had spoken in his Hull pre-match conference last Thursday that he had had no correspondence from the governing body.
He said: “I’ve not heard anything from the RFL since Shaun’s dismissal. I’ve not heard anything from the RFL with regards to my position as England assistant. I’m not sure (whether he was being kept on or not).”
Meanwhile, McDermott will take charge of his first England game in the World Cup against Tonga in Perth on October 17. He has less than six months to get his coaching team and squad put together.
Speaking on McDermott’s appointment, Last had good things to say, but also stressed he didn’t believe Wane should have been let go – not least before the World Cup tournament.
“I think he’s a good appointment because he’s English,” Last said on the former Leeds Rhinos coach. “I’m a big believer in that the England head coach should be English.
“Brian is a very, very successful coach. He’s won lots of trophies and is a man of principle, so I can anticipate him doing a really, really strong job.
“But for me, I’d have kept Shaun in charge up to the World Cup. That’s just my personal opinion. Shaun’s an outstanding coach, and I don’t think it was a great decision to move him from his position.”