Quick Facts
Biography
Paul Rowley (born 12 March 1975 in Leigh, Greater Manchester) is an English rugby league coach and former player of the 1990s, and 2000s. An England representative hooker, he played at club level for Leigh Centurions, Halifax, and Huddersfield Giants. After retiring as a player, Rowley began a coaching career and was appointed head coach of Leigh Centurions in 2012, leading the club to Championship titles in 2014 and 2015 before departing at the beginning of the 2016 season.
Playing career
Having begun his career at Leigh, Rowley appeared in Super League for Halifax and Huddersfield Giants, returning to his hometown club in 2002. He retired as a player in 2006 and joined the coaching staff at Leigh.
International honours
Rowley won caps for England while at Halifax in 1996 against France (sub), and in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup against Australia, Russia, and Ireland.
Coaching career
Rowley was appointed first team coach of Leigh Centurions on a permanent basis in January 2012. After a successful first season in charge which included guiding the club to 2nd in the Championship and a Northern Rail Cup semi-final, Rowley was named Championship Coach of the year. In February 2013 Rowley signed a new contract to keep him at the club until the end of 2015. Having win back-to-back Championship titles with Leigh in 2014 and 2015, Rowley resigned as Leigh Centurions head coach 10 days before the start of the 2016 Championship season, citing personal reasons. On 27 April 2016 he was confirmed as the inaugural head coach of the Toronto Wolfpack.
Personal life
Paul Rowley is the son of former Leigh, Workington Town, St. Helens, and Carlisle player Allan Rowley (born 1951 (age 65–66)).
Honours
As a player
- National League One: 2004
As a coach
- Championship (2): 2014, 2015
Individual
- Championship Coach of the Year: 2013