UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 22, 2013

ROWAN COMPANIES plc

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(713) 621-7800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-13e-4(c))

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On March 22, 2013, non-executive director, Robert G. Croyle, informed the Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Rowan Companies plc (the “Company”) of his intention to retire from the Board effective as of May 31, 2013.  The Board anticipates that upon Mr. Croyle’s retirement, the size of the Board will be reduced from 10 to nine members. The Board would like to thank Mr. Croyle for his 40 years of loyal service to the Company, as a valued employee, officer and director and wishes him well in his retirement.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: March 25, 2013