Shaun Wane has resigned from his position leading England's rugby league team with immediate effect, bringing his six-year spell to an abrupt conclusion just nine months before the 2026 World Cup.
The 61-year-old former Wigan boss, who took charge in February 2020 following Wayne Bennett's departure, confirmed his decision on Wednesday after taking time to consider the programme's future direction.
The Rugby Football League announced that whoever succeeds Wane will occupy a part-time role, marking a shift from the full-time arrangement under the outgoing coach.
England's World Cup campaign begins against Tonga in Perth on 17 October.
Shaun Wane released a statement revealing that he is standing down as England boss
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In a statement announcing his departure, Wane said: "It has been the honour of my life to coach England Rugby League over the last six years, but after careful reflection I believe the time is right to step aside and allow the programme to move forward into its next chapter."
The departing coach expressed gratitude for the experiences he accumulated during his tenure.
"The privilege of leading my country in a World Cup, an Ashes Series on home soil and securing victories over Tonga and Samoa will live long in the memory," Wane added.
He also thanked the players, coaching staff and support personnel whose commitment made those achievements possible.
Wane's tenure produced a mixed record across his 19 matches in charge, winning 14 of them.
His side reached the 2022 home World Cup semi-finals but suffered an agonising golden-point extra-time defeat to Samoa at the Emirates Stadium.
England were thrashed by Australia during the Rugby League Ashes
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The following years brought more positive results, with England securing series triumphs against strong NRL-laden Tonga and Samoa squads without losing a match.
However, last autumn's Ashes campaign proved deeply disappointing, as Australia claimed victory in all three Tests on English soil, with the hosts managing just two tries across the series.
Following that whitewash, Wane had insisted there was "no question" he remained the right man for the World Cup.
England suffered heartbreak at the World Cup in 2022 after being knocked out by Samoa in the semi-final
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RFL interim chief executive Abi Ekoku praised the departing coach's contribution to the national programme.
"The RFL would like to thank Shaun for his leadership and unstinting dedication to making the England Rugby League team the very best it could be over the last six years," Ekoku said.
She added that Wane had "not only led England with pride, passion and a considerable level of insight" but had also established new standards whilst inspiring emerging international talent.
According to reports, St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has emerged as the frontrunner to take the reins ahead of the October tournament in the Southern Hemisphere.