Keighley Cougars are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Bramald as the club’s new Head Coach ahead of the 2027 season.
For Matt, the appointment represents a return to familiar surroundings. During his playing career, he represented Featherstone Rovers, Dewsbury Rams, Batley Bulldogs, Hunslet and Keighley Cougars, giving him extensive experience of rugby league at this level.
After finishing his playing career, Matt moved into coaching and previously led the Cougars’ reserve and Under-21 setup before joining the first-team coaching staff. He worked as assistant to Barry Eaton and remained with the club when Jason Demetriou became Head Coach.
Matt later continued his development at Featherstone Rovers and Castleford Tigers, working within their youth and development systems alongside respected coaches including Daryl Powell and Ryan Sheridan. He also returned to Hunslet as part of their Championship coaching team.
His knowledge of the Championship, previous connection with Keighley Cougars and experience of developing players made him the outstanding candidate following a thorough recruitment process.
Matt said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to Keighley Cougars as Head Coach. It’s a club I know well and one that means a great deal to me.
“There is plenty of hard work ahead, but that challenge is exactly what excites me. I’m looking forward to meeting the players, getting onto the training field and beginning to build a team that works hard, represents the club and the town properly, and gives our supporters something to be proud of.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the appointment for putting their trust in me. I genuinely can’t wait to get started.”
Matt will now begin working with the club on preparations for the 2027 campaign, including assembling his coaching team and continuing the important work of building next season’s playing squad.
Please join us in welcoming Matt Bramald back to Cougar Park—this time as our Head Coach.
Welcome, Matt.
