Ian Watson (born 27 October 1976) is a professional rugby league coach, and a former Wales international who played as a scrum-half or hooker in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.

He played for the Salford City Reds, Workington Town, Swinton Lions, Widnes Vikings, Rochdale Hornets, Oldham, Halifax and the Leigh Centurions.

[2][3][4] Watson has coached the Swinton Lions in the Championship and the Salford Red Devils and Huddersfield Giants in the Super League.

Watson started his professional career with the Salford Reds coming though from local amateur team Eccles RLFC.

[6] Following the signings of Martin Crompton and Josh White, despite being a firm club favourite Watson was deemed surplus to requirements, and was sold to the Swinton Lions for a fee of £15,000.

He coached the Salford Red Devils to the 2019 Super League Grand Final defeat by St Helens at Old Trafford.

[19] In May 2022, he repeated his earlier success with Salford when he steered Huddersfield Giants to the cup final, after defeating Hull Kingston Rovers at Elland Road.