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 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

The following information is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02:

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

The following information is furnished pursuant to Item 7.01:

On October 31, 2012, the Company issued a press release announcing the posting of its Monthly Fleet Status Report and providing certain highlights. The press release is attached as Exhibit 99.2. The Monthly Fleet Status Report as of October 31, 2012 is attached as Exhibit 99.3. The Monthly Fleet Status Report is also available on our website at www.rowancompanies.com.

The information furnished in Items 2.02 and 7.01 and in Exhibits 99.1, 99.2 and 99.3 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

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: October 31, 2012

EXHIBIT INDEX