SWINTON LIONS became the sixth of the current 20 Championship clubs to undergo a coaching change this year after Anthony Murray stepped up from assistant in the wake of Paul Wood’s resignation.
Former Warrington and England forward Wood stood down after the 74-6 defeat at Doncaster, the Lions’ seventh loss in as many league games in 2026.
He had been at the helm since October 2024 and led Swinton to third place in League One last season before the lower two tiers merged.
Experienced Murray left Whitehaven on March 1, saying increased work commitments were making it difficult to commit the necessary time to a club so far from his Wigan home.
The former Barrow, North Wales Crusaders, Gloucestershire All Golds and Workington coach then joined Wood’s staff at Swinton.
James Newtown is in interim charge at Whitehaven, while there have also been changes at Keighley (Ian Hardman following Alan Kilshaw), North Wales (Krisnan Inu succeeding Dean Muir), Oldham (Kilshaw stepping up from assistant in place of Mike Ford, who was leading the team as director of rugby) and Salford (Mike Grady departed leaving Dave Hewitt in caretaker charge).
Murray, 48, who played as a hooker for a string of clubs including Swinton, said: “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to coach a club with 160 years of proud tradition who represent the heart and passion of Rugby League in the Greater Manchester area.
“I’m looking forward to building a team to reflect the core values of a club who have stood since 1866, and one players, staff and supporters can be proud of.”
The club said: “Anthony is a hugely experienced former player and coach with an extensive background across the professional game.
“He brings excellent Championship and League One pedigree and is widely regarded for his ability to develop competitive teams and drive performance within challenging environments.
“Anthony is a modern-thinking coach with a clear philosophy and strong leadership qualities and the board are confident he will play a key role in taking the club forward and developing on our ambitions.”