Paul Rowley has been relieved of his duties as head coach of St Helens Rugby League club, just one day before the team’s derby match against Wigan Warriors. The decision came after a heavy 46-0 defeat at home to Toulouse, a result that intensified fan dissatisfaction with Rowley’s leadership.

Rowley, 51, who previously coached Salford Red Devils and Leigh Centurions, had attributed some of St Helens’ struggles this season to an injury crisis hindering his squad's performance. Despite this, the club’s management chose to part ways with him less than a year into his tenure.

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that the club was fully aware of the additional challenges Rowley faced during the campaign. McManus did not rule out the impact of circumstances beyond the coach’s control but emphasized the need for change ahead of the critical fixture.

In the immediate term, assistant coach Eamon O’Carroll will assume interim coaching responsibilities as St Helens prepare to face Wigan in the local derby. The club did not specify a timeline for appointing a permanent replacement.