James Webster Returns to Hull KR for Scholarship Head Coach Role

Hull KR are pleased to confirm the appointment of James Webster to the role of Scholarship Head Coach for the 2026 season.

Webster left the NRL to play for Hull KR in 2005, in the time he played for the Robins he made 94 appearances and scored 33 tries. Long-time Hull KR supporters will remember Webster from this time and captaincy of the team, as well as his appearance in the 2006 National League One Grand Final game against Widnes Vikings which saw the team promoted to Super-League in a 29-16 victory. A shoulder injury saw his four seasons at Hull KR come to a close and he moved to play at Widnes before his retirement.

A former Head Coach with the Robins, James Webster joined the Hull KR Academy coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season, working with the young half-backs in the side developing their skills and harnessing their talents.

Hull KR’s scholars recorded a positive season in 2025, playing eight games and winning six. For 2026, the club has recruited 22 new players for the side with players coming from Skirlaugh Bulls, West Hull, Hull Wyke, Myton Warriors, Bridgend Bulls and Cynon Valley Cavaliers.

Head of Rugby, Pete Riding, said: 

“I am absolutely delighted that James has accepted our offer to lead the club’s scholarship program. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that can improve the side.

"The holistic development of our young players is incredibly important and the quality of people we put around our young people is very important to us and their development.

"I am very excited to be working with James going forward and look forward to seeing our Scholarship side get to work for 2026.”

James Webster, the new Scholarship Head Coach commented: 

“The last month has been a really positive and refreshing one for me personally. I have loved working with the scholars as they seem so keen to learn.

"All the staff have a common goal of developing these players to allow each of them to have the basis to progress to the academy. I’m eager to continue the training and development of these young players on and off the field, and the season can’t come quick enough.”