St Helens have confirmed the appointment of Kevin Walters as their new head coach on a three-year deal in a major move for the Super League club.
Walters will step down as Australia head coach at the conclusion of this year’s Rugby League World Cup before taking charge of St Helens ahead of the 2027 campaign.
The 58-year-old is reportedly set to earn £1 million over the course of his three-year contract, according to reports in Australia.
The Courier Mail reports that the deal is the richest in St Helens’ history, with club chairman Eamonn McManus describing Walters’ appointment as “a major statement of ambition both by St Helens and by Super League”.
Walters had signed a two-year deal to remain in charge of the Kangaroos on the international stage until the end of 2028, but will take charge of St Helens from the 2027 campaign on a contract until 2029.
He succeeds Paul Rowley, who departed less than a year into a three-year contract at the BrewDog Stadium earlier this season.
“St Helens are one of the most iconic and successful brands in rugby league. I am honoured to be given the opportunity by the chairman, Eamonn McManus, and the St Helens board to lead a club with so much history,” said the former Brisbane Broncos and Queensland State of Origin coach.
“I look forward to bringing my experiences as a coach and blending those learnings into the winning culture of St Helens.
“For me, the foundation of success is creating the right environment where the players and staff enjoy coming to training and working hard for each other, as well as the Saints sponsors, fans and the wider community.
“At the end of last year, I was in England for the Ashes Series as the Kangaroos head coach. I witnessed first-hand how tough, physical, and skilful the English players were. I look forward to being a part of Super League in 2027 with the Saints.”
Chairman McManus commented: “Kevin’s vast experience at both club and representative levels is self-evident.
“His motivation to succeed with the task at hand was both clear and compelling to us, as shown by the major career sacrifices that he is making in Australia to join St Helens.
“This is a major statement of ambition both by St Helens and by Super League.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to the understanding and professionalism of Peter V’Landys and the ARL Commission in facilitating Kevin’s move to us.
“Eamon O’Carroll will continue as our interim head coach until the end of this season. He has been magnificent for us under testing circumstances, and I am sure that our fans will remain firmly behind him and the team.”