Stuart Littler

Stuart Littler (born 19 February 1979) is the head coach of the Swinton Lions in the Betfred Championship, and a former Ireland international rugby league footballer.

Littler played for the Salford City Reds in the Super League, playing for his hometown club, Leigh Centurions and finishing his career with Swinton Lions, retiring at the end of the 2016 season.

Littler's position of choice was as a centre. He could also operate in the second-row and also played some games on the wing.

Littler was born in Higher End, Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. He is of Irish descent.

He is a lifelong resident of Leigh.

Littler is an Ireland international.

Littler was expected to leave the club following Salford's relegation to National League One. Littler was expected to seal a move to Harlequins RL, however Chairman Ian Lenagan decided not to offer him a deal.

Littler joined Salford in 1998 – his first professional club and is equal top-try scorer in a season for the club, alongside David Watkins.

He was named in the Ireland training squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, and the Ireland squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

In October and November 2014, Stuart played in the 2014 European Cup competition.

In 2016, he was called up to the Ireland squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup European Pool B qualifiers.

After retiring with Swinton he remained with the club as an assistant coach under head coach John Duffy. When Duffy left the club in July 2017, he stepped into the head coach's shoes commencing with an away match at Bradford Bulls' Odsal Stadium on 23 July 2017.