Hull FC announced that Steve McNamara will take over as head coach next season, while John Cartwright will depart at season’s end.[1][2][3]
The change matters because the head coach directs player recruitment, game strategy, and club culture, all critical to Hull FC’s bid to improve its standing in the Betfred Super League.[1]
Cartwright said he was surprised by the decision, "I have not been told why they have opted to part ways with me at the end of the season."[4] The club has not offered a public explanation, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on performance or strategic reasons.[5]
Reports differ on the exact start date. The BBC notes the appointment begins "from next season," while Sky Sports specifies the 2027 Betfred Super League season.[1][3] Both describe the same upcoming campaign, but the latter provides the calendar year, clarifying the timeline for supporters and sponsors.
Hull FC issued a statement confirming the appointment and thanking Cartwright for his service, emphasizing a smooth transition and the club’s focus on long‑term success.[2] The organization expects McNamara to implement his own style while building on the foundations laid by his predecessor.
Based in Kingston upon Hull, the club hopes the coaching swap will energize its fan base and improve on‑field results as it prepares for the 2027 season under new leadership.[1] The decision also signals Hull FC’s willingness to make decisive changes in pursuit of competitive progress.
“"I have not been told why they have opted to part ways with me at the end of the season."”
Hull FC’s coaching overhaul indicates a strategic pivot aimed at reviving its fortunes in the Super League. By installing McNamara ahead of the 2027 campaign, the club signals confidence in his vision and a desire to reset its competitive trajectory, while Cartwright’s abrupt exit underscores the pressures of performance in professional rugby league.
