John Cartwright has officially vacated his position as the head coach of Hull FC, effective immediately, paving the way for Steve McNamara to assume the role beginning with the 2027 Betfred Super League season. The decision was announced jointly by Hull FC and the Warrington Wolves, confirming that a formal agreement has been reached for McNamara to become the new leader of Hull's first‑team squad for the 2027 campaign. While Cartwright will remain on the club's payroll in a different capacity, he has relinquished all head‑coaching responsibilities.
In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last has been promoted to interim head coach and will steer the side through the remainder of the current season until a permanent appointment is confirmed. Steve McNamara, who is currently serving as an assistant coach at Warrington Wolves, will continue in that capacity for the balance of the 2026 season before making the transition back to his hometown club.
McNamara’s connection to Hull runs deep; he grew up within the club’s junior system and progressed through the ranks to make more than 160 senior appearances between 1989 and 1996. His playing career was distinguished by caps for both England and Great Britain, underscoring his status as a respected figure in the sport. Beyond his playing days, McNamara has built a reputation as one of the most accomplished coaches in rugby league.
Over the past twenty years he has amassed a wealth of experience across several top‑level organisations. His résumé includes successful stints with the Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons, a period as head coach of the England national side, and valuable exposure to the Australian NRL as an assistant with both the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors. During his tenure in France with Catalans Dragons, McNamara guided the club through its most prosperous era, delivering a Challenge Cup victory, securing a League Leaders' Shield, and reaching two Super League Grand Finals. Hull FC’s chief executive Richie Myler expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, "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." Chairman Andrew Thirkill echoed these sentiments, adding, "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." The transition comes at a pivotal time for Hull FC, a club eager to re‑establish itself among the elite of the Super League. By securing a coach who not only possesses a proven track record but also shares a personal history with the club, Hull aims to blend continuity with fresh strategic insight.
McNamara’s deep understanding of the local fan base, combined with his international coaching exposure, is expected to foster a culture of professionalism and ambition throughout the squad. In the short term, Andy Last will manage day‑to‑day training sessions, match preparations, and tactical decisions for the remaining fixtures of the 2026 season. His interim appointment provides stability while the club finalises the handover process and allows McNamara to complete his commitments with Warrington. This phased approach is designed to minimise disruption and ensure that both clubs can maintain competitive momentum.
Looking ahead, the 2027 season will be a significant milestone for Hull FC under McNamara’s guidance. The club anticipates that his experience in nurturing young talent, coupled with his ability to devise sophisticated game plans, will help develop a robust roster capable of challenging for major honours. Moreover, his previous success in guiding a team to a Challenge Cup triumph suggests that Hull could be a serious contender in knockout competitions as well.
Fans of Hull FC have been encouraged to stay engaged through the club’s official communication channels, where regular updates on training, player signings, and community initiatives will be shared. The organization also highlighted that all Super League matches will continue to be broadcast live on Sky Sports throughout the season, with two fixtures each round offered exclusively live and the remaining five matches available via the broader Sky Sports platform. This broadcasting arrangement ensures that supporters can follow the team’s progress regardless of their location. In summary, John Cartwright’s departure marks the end of an era, while Steve McNamara’s upcoming appointment signals a new chapter for Hull FC.
The club’s leadership is confident that McNamara’s blend of local heritage and elite coaching experience will propel Hull back into contention for top‑flight success, fostering a competitive spirit that resonates with both players and supporters alike.