Kevin Walters will quit as coach of the Kangaroos after this year’s World Cup and take over as head coach of St Helens in the English Super League.

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Walters led Australia to a 3-0 Ashes triumph last year and will head back to England for the next three years to coach the English giants on a deal reportedly worth $2 million, according to the Courier Mail.

It’s the richest deal in the club’s 153-year history and St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus described the signing as a “a major statement of ambition both by St Helens and by Super League”.

“His motivation to succeed with the task at hand was both clear and compelling to us, as shown by the major career sacrifices that he is making in Australia to join St Helens,” McManus said.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to the understanding and professionalism of Peter V’landys and the ARL Commission in facilitating Kevin’s move to us.

“Kevin’s vast experience at both club and representative levels is self-evident.

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As a coach, Walters won two State of Origin series for Queensland in 2016 and 2017, and fell just minutes short of leading the Brisbane Broncos to a drought-breaking title in 2023.

He has previous experience in the Super League, having coached the Catalans Dragons in 2009 and 2010 with moderate success.

Walters said he was looking forward to taking over at one of the biggest clubs in England.

“St Helens are one of the most iconic and successful brands in rugby league. I am honoured to be given the opportunity by the chairman, Eamonn McManus, and the St Helens Board to lead a club with so much history,” Walters said.

“For me, the foundation of success is creating the right environment where the players and staff enjoy coming to training and working hard for each other, as well as the Saints sponsors, fans and the wider community.

“At the end of last year, I was in England for the Ashes Series as the Kangaroos head coach. I witnessed first-hand how tough, physical, and skilful the English players were.”

Kevin Walters will leave the Kangaroos coaching job after the World Cup to link up with St HelensSource: Supplied

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St Helens currently running seventh with a 13-10 record and have been looking for a new coach after Paul Rowley stood down in July during his first year in charge.

Matthew Johns, who works with Walters at Fox Sports, told the Courier Mail it was a good fit for the 58-year-old.

“I’m shocked by the move but I think Kevvie will enjoy it enormously,” Johns said.

“When I played over there at Wigan, he and ‘Alf’ (Allan Langer) were playing at Warrington.

“Kevvie knows the landscape over there, he’s been to England a few times and toured over there numerous times.

“St Helens is a really big club that’s had a few tough years, but Kevvie has shown with the Broncos and Queensland that he can bring success to anywhere he goes.”

The ARL Commission will soon look for Walters’ successor with Cameron Smith an early frontrunner after previously expressing interest in the job before it was given to Walters.

Billy Slater, who quit as Queensland coach last week, would also be considered if he put his hand up.

As a player, Walters won six premierships, played in 20 State of Origin matches for Queensland, and 11 Tests for the Kangaroos, including being part of Australia’s 1992 World Cup-winning team.