{"id":407809,"date":"2026-02-04T17:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T17:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/407809\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T17:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T17:59:09","slug":"former-st-helens-and-hull-kr-man-lands-new-head-coach-role-after-clubs-administration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/407809\/","title":{"rendered":"Former St Helens and Hull KR man lands new head coach role after club’s administration"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Former St Helens and Hull KR man Ian Hardman, who had been working as Featherstone Rovers\u2019 assistant coach, has been appointed to a head coach role in the Championship.<\/p>\n

Hardman played for Rovers almost 300 times during a nine-year spell from 2009 until his retirement in 2018, later taking on a role as an assistant at Featherstone.<\/p>\n

Starting his career with St Helens, Hardman had loans with Hull KR and Widnes before joining Featherstone, for whom he scored 131 tries and cemented himself into Rovers\u2019 history.<\/p>\n

That continued post-playing as he served as the assistant at Post Office Road from 2021 to 2025, however, the club\u2019s administration has seen him seek a new venture.<\/p>\n

Hardman has been appointed as the head coach of Championship club Keighley Cougars<\/a> with Keighley recently losing their own head coach Alan Kilshaw to Oldham, with Kilshaw widely expected to become the head coach of the Roughyeds following Mike Ford\u2019s resignation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Keighley Cougars land new head coach<\/p>\n

That coaching carousel has seen Hardman make the move to Cougar Park with recent interim Danny Burton returning to the role of assistant.<\/p>\n

Confirming Hardman\u2019s appointment, Keighley said: \u201cKeighley Cougars are pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Hardman as the club\u2019s new Head Coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cHardman arrives at Cougar Park with a wealth of experience in the game, both as a former professional rugby league player and as a respected coach.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cougars noted Hardman\u2019s nous for coaching disciplined side, adding: \u201cSince transitioning into coaching, he has continued to build a strong reputation for developing players, fostering high-performance environments and delivering competitive, disciplined teams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Co-owner Ryan O\u2019Neill said: \u201cWe\u2019re very pleased to welcome Ian to Keighley Cougars. He brings vast experience from both his playing and coaching career, and we\u2019re excited about what he will bring to the club. His knowledge, standards and ambition align perfectly with where we want to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hardman will start his work with immediate effect meaning this weekend\u2019s third round Challenge Cup tie will be his first match, with the Cougars set to host Midlands Hurricanes.<\/p>\n

Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Important announcement \u2013
Keighley Cougars Appoint Ian Hardman as Head Coach
Please read more on our website https:\/\/t.co\/n9GDc5Mj6i<\/a> #cougars<\/a> #rugbyleague<\/a> #cougarmania<\/a> #keighley<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ZBAkskbJ6Q<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Keighley Cougars (@Cougarmania) February 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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