Ian Watson stood down as Huddersfield Giants make big coaching decision

Huddersfield Giants have stood down head coach Ian Watson. The Super League club has confirmed the move to relieve Watson of his duties after three-and-a-half-years in charge.

It comes following the club's dismal 48-0 defeat at the hands of Warrington Wolves on Friday, their eighth defeat in nine matches. That defeat left them eighth in Super League, eight points adrift of the play-offs with eleven games of the season remaining.

A meeting of the club's board took place on Thursday, with the decision made to relieve Watson of his duties. In a statement, the club said: "Following today’s scheduled monthly board meeting the club has stood down Head Coach Ian Watson with immediate effect.

"Luke Robinson will take charge of the team ahead of the upcoming Betfred Super League game at Leigh at the weekend, neither the club nor Ian will make any further comment."

Watson took control of the Giants ahead of the 2021 season and after a difficult first season in which they finished ninth, the Giants enjoyed one of their best seasons of the Super League era. 2022 saw them reach the Challenge Cup Final and finish the regular season in third place.

But 2023 was a disappointing one, ending the season in ninth, and their run of form has seen Watson stood down.