ST HELENS have confirmed the departure of head coach Paul Wellens after three seasons in charge.
A club legend as a player, Wellens stepped up from assistant coach to succeed Kristian Woolf ahead of the 2023 season.
Wellens led Saints to a famous World Club Challenge success at Penrith Panthers in his very first competitive game at the helm.
But no further silverware followed, nor any appearances in a final, and St Helens’ Super League play-off semi-final defeat at Hull KR has proven to be Wellens’ final game as coach.
Taking over a side which had won four Super League titles in a row, Wellens missed out on the League Leaders’ Shield on points difference in his first season before a last-gasp defeat to Catalans Dragons in the semi-finals.
Despite finishing sixth – Saints’ lowest finish in the Super League era – and losing in the first stage of the play-offs against Warrington Wolves in 2024, Wellens was given a one-year extension to his initial two-year contract.
But a fifth-placed finish, ten points shy of Hull KR at the top, and subsequent defeat to the Robins saw Saints decide to make a change.
Chairman Eamonn McManus said: “As a player, he won every honour available in our sport and was at the epicentre of our incredible success story during his 17-year playing career at the Saints.
“He has since committed his life in every way to the club as our head coach. He has always done so with professionalism, dignity, and class. He’s been a supreme ambassador to our club and to our sport.
“It has therefore been the most difficult decision to make, but we have now decided to move in a new direction and to appoint a new head coach. We now begin that search.
“Paul will still be part of the fabric of our club and will always be warmly welcomed by everyone and at all times. We wish him every success in his future career and wish him and his family only well.”
Wellens played 495 games and won 17 trophies as a St Helens player, joining the coaching staff following his retirement in 2015.
He said: “Whilst I’m naturally disappointed that my time at the club will be coming to an end, I also respect that decision and would like to thank Eamonn for his honesty in what I know would have been an extremely difficult conversation.
“I would also like to thank the staff with whom I’ve worked very closely with over my three years as head coach of the club. Your professionalism and work ethic is greatly appreciated, and I know how much the team values the constant support you give them.
“To the players and your families, both past and present, a huge thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. Whilst we are in hugely privileged positions, I also understand that to play this game at the highest level requires great sacrifice, and it’s important I place on record my gratitude for those sacrifices.
“Finally, a message to the ardent supporters of this great club, I want to thank you for your unwavering support. I have been blown away by the personal interactions I’ve had around this town, genuine people who are caring and supportive in the good moments, but more importantly, when times have become challenging. For that support, I extend a heartfelt thank you.”