CASTLEFORD TIGERS have appointed Paul Rowley as head coach on a three-year contract.
The Tigers have been looking for a new boss since the departure of Ryan Carr two months ago, and now they have their man in former St Helens head coach Rowley.
After a playing career that spanned almost 400 games, Rowley enjoyed considerable success at Leigh in his first coaching role, winning two Championship titles and the Northern Rail Cup.
As Toronto’s inaugural head coach, he secured the League One title and promotion in their first season, followed by a top-of-the-table Championship finish in 2018.
And his stock grew further with four seasons in charge of Salford which featured two play-off finishes, before seeing out the Red Devils’ final season before liquidation amid severe financial issues.
Rowley was immediately appointed coach of Saints but left in July with the club on their way to missing out on the Super League play-offs for the first time.
“I’m looking forward to leading Cas Tigers as their new head coach,” said Rowley.
“From meeting Chris (Chester, Castleford’s director of rugby) and the board, it immediately felt like a place I wanted to be a part of.
“I’m keen to get started and enjoy a new journey with this proud club.”
Chester added: “Paul is a highly respected coach within rugby league, and we believe he is the right person to lead this club into an exciting new chapter.
“Paul has a proven track record of building competitive teams, developing players and creating an attacking brand of rugby that supporters can get behind. He has a real passion for the game, strong leadership qualities and a clear vision of how he wants his teams to play.
“Throughout the recruitment process, it was important for us to take our time, find someone who shared our ambitions for Castleford Tigers and understood what this club means to its supporters, the town and the wider community.
“Paul demonstrated those qualities, and we’re confident he can help us build something that everyone connected with the club can be proud of.
“We know there is plenty of hard work ahead, but we have a clear direction and a determination to move this club forward.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Paul as we continue to strengthen the squad, develop our young talent and create a culture that delivers sustained success. We’re delighted to have him on board and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Owner Martin Jepson commented: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the club. I think he is an ideal fit for the type of rugby we want to play with proven Super League experience and speaks with real passion about the game and our club.
“He has a reputation for getting the best out of his players and with the new signings we have made I think we can all look forward to 2027 with optimism.”
