Former Castleford Tigers head coach Craig Lingard is on track to become the new head coach of the Sheffield Eagles, with discussions reportedly moving in a positive direction.
Lingard was among the Eagles’ top candidates for the position. Now, League Express has confirmed that negotiations between the two parties are progressing well, with Lingard likely to step into the role as the club’s next head coach.
This development comes after the announcement that former head coach Mark Aston will assume a temporary full-time role focusing on commercial and community engagement. Aston’s new responsibilities include generating sponsorship and revenue for the club, attending events as a club ambassador, and assisting the Eagles Foundation in establishing a player pathway in Sheffield. Additionally, he will provide support to the network of volunteers within the club and its foundation.
Once Aston’s current ban is successfully appealed or concludes, he is set to transition into the role of Director of Rugby. In this capacity, he will oversee all aspects of the club’s rugby operations, including the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair teams. His tasks will involve mentoring coaching staff across these programs, guiding player recruitment, implementing succession planning, and fostering player development within the city’s rugby ecosystem.
For Craig Lingard, this new role marks a return to the Championship after leaving Batley Bulldogs at the end of the 2023 season to join Castleford. While his tenure with the Tigers in Super League saw challenges, he managed to secure seven wins out of 27 league fixtures during his first year as a head coach in the top tier.
If finalized, Lingard’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for both him and the Sheffield Eagles as they aim to solidify their competitive position and expand their community impact.
