Rugby League Apr 20, 2026

Hull FC appoint Steve McNamara as head coach from 2027 as John Cartwright steps down with immediate effect

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Hull FC appoint Steve McNamara as head coach from 2027 as John Cartwright steps down with immediate effect

John Cartwright has left his role as head coach of Hull FC with immediate effect with Steve McNamara to take over the position from 2027.

Hull FC and Warrington Wolves have jointly confirmed that an agreement has been reached for Steve McNamara to become Hull FC's new head coach for the 2027 Betfred Super League season.

Cartwright remains a Hull FC employee but has now stepped down from the role.

Assistant coach Andy Last will now be interim head coach until the end of the current season.

McNamara will continue as assistant coach at Warrington Wolves for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.

McNamara will return to his boyhood club for whom he rose through the youth ranks as a junior, before going on to make over 160 senior appearances between 1989 and 1996 in a highly respected playing career, which also included international representation with England and Great Britain.

One of the leading coaches in the game, McNamara has enjoyed a distinguished coaching career over the past two decades, during his time with Bradford Bulls, Catalans Dragons, and the England international side, as well as a spell in the NRL as an assistant coach with Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors.

During his time in the south of France, McNamara led the Dragons to the most successful period in their history, which included a Challenge Cup final triumph, a League Leaders Shield success, and two Super League Grand Final appearances.

Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler said: "We are delighted to secure Steve's services. He is a coach of the highest calibre, and someone who truly understands this club and the city.

"Steve McNamara coming home is a powerful moment for Hull FC."

Hull FC chairman Andrew Thirkill said: "We believe Steve is the right person to lead Hull FC into our next phase and are thrilled with his appointment.

"His experience, leadership and standards will be critical as we build a team capable of competing consistently at the top of Super League."

Your Site will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on

Tags:

rugby-league news

Share this article

Related Posts

Joel Tomkins' Catalans Dragons departure confirmed as head coach cites 'personal reasons' for decision to step down

Joel Tomkins' Catalans Dragons departure confirmed as head coach cites 'personal reasons' for decision to step down

Joel Tomkins has confirmed he has chosen to step down from his role as head coach at Catalans Dragons, a role he held for just under a year, due to "p...

Willie Peters to end historic Hull KR tenure at end of Super League season to become inaugural PNG Chiefs coach

Willie Peters to end historic Hull KR tenure at end of Super League season to become inaugural PNG Chiefs coach

Willie Peters will end his historic tenure as Hull KR head coach at the end of the Super League season.The 47-year-old will leave Craven Park having m...

Huddersfield Giants sack head coach Luke Robinson after five consecutive losses in opening weeks of Super League

Huddersfield Giants sack head coach Luke Robinson after five consecutive losses in opening weeks of Super League

Huddersfield Giants have sacked head coach Luke Robinson in the wake of Friday night's Betfred Super League defeat at Bradford which took them to five...

Paul Rowley: St Helens head coach interested in taking charge of England for Rugby League World Cup

Paul Rowley: St Helens head coach interested in taking charge of England for Rugby League World Cup

St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has expressed his interest in the vacant England head coach job, saying he has a "burning desire" to coach his countr...

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck signs two-year deal with Wakefield Trinity from next season in shock move away from NRL

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck signs two-year deal with Wakefield Trinity from next season in shock move away from NRL

New Zealand Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has signed a shock two-year deal with Wakefield Trinity in an unexpected move away from the NRL.The 32-y...

Willie Peters challenges Hull KR to channel emotions and end his tenure on a high before NRL return

Willie Peters challenges Hull KR to channel emotions and end his tenure on a high before NRL return

Willie Peters has challenged his Hull KR players to channel the emotion of his confirmed end‑of‑season departure into writing a final chapter fitting...