Ian Watson on Hull KR move, moving back into head coaching, and working with Willie Peters

After leaving the top job at Huddersfield Giants back in 2024, Ian Watson has found his way back into coaching in Super League as assistant at champions Hull KR.

Watson had a successful few seasons with the Giants, taking them to the Challenge Cup final in 2022. Prior to that, he had guided Salford Red Devils all the way to the Super League Grand Final in 2019 where they subsequently lost to St Helens.

He left the Giants in July 2024 by mutual consent and off the back of that, moved to the role of assistant coach for American Major League Rugby outfit Seattle Seawolves.

Following that monumental move to the US, and the departure of Danny Ward from Hull KR to London Broncos, Watson has returned to Super League for the 2026 season as assistant to Willie Peters.

Watson has joined the Robins in what will be Peters' last year at the club before he heads into the role as head coach of new NRL franchise PNG Chiefs who are set to join the Australian competition in 2028.

Peters' successor has not been confirmed but it is not a role that Watson is looking at. However, he does see himself returning to a top coaching job at some point in his career.