Rugby League: Ex-Leeds prop Wane to leave Wigan at end of season

Former Leeds player Shaun Wane has announced he will step down as Wigan Warriors coach at the end of this season.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane who is to leave the club at the end of the season.Wigan coach Shaun Wane who is to leave the club at the end of the season.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane who is to leave the club at the end of the season.

Wane said he is seeking a “new challenge and direction” after 20 years on Wigan’s backroom staff.

He has already been linked with a move to Catalans Dragons, who are currently coached by ex-England boss Steve McNamara.

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The French side’s squad includes several former Wigan players and they have signed the Warriors’ star full-back Sam Tomkins from the 2019 season.

Sam Tomkins, who is to leave Wigan at the end of the season for Catalans Dragons.Sam Tomkins, who is to leave Wigan at the end of the season for Catalans Dragons.
Sam Tomkins, who is to leave Wigan at the end of the season for Catalans Dragons.

Wane made his Wigan debut in 1982 and played 150 games before spells at Leeds and Workington.

He returned to Wigan as a scout in 1998 and started his coaching career in 2000 with the scholarship squad.

He had stints in charge of the academy and reserve teams, became assistant to Michael Maguire in 2010 and was appointed head coach two years later.

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He is Wigan’s longest-serving coach of the Super League era and the fifth longest serving in the club’s history.

Shaun Wane with the Challenge Cup.Shaun Wane with the Challenge Cup.
Shaun Wane with the Challenge Cup.

In a club statement, Wane said: “Regrettably I have decided to announce my resignation as head coach of Wigan Warriors with the 2018 season being my last in charge.

“Throughout my playing and coaching career I have enjoyed unparalleled success in all areas.

“The town of Wigan and the club will always remain special to me, however I feel that now is the right time for me to seek a new challenge and direction in my professional career. As head coach, I have taken the club to six major finals, winning three, given debuts to 37 players from the Wigan Academy and won a World Club Challenge, to name but a few.

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“These accolades have given me both personal and professional satisfaction and the memories will remain with me evermore.

“During my career, I have made many special friends with players, past and present, coaching staff, office staff and management and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to you all for the support that you have afforded me, without which the success may not have been so great.

“I would also like to publicly express my sincere thanks for the incredible support from my wife Lorraine and my daughters Bethan and Megan throughout my whole career, which at times has been incredibly difficult both on and off the field, especially the last two years.

“On a final point, I would like to thank all of the players, coaching and medical staff, the loyal Wigan fans, club chairman, Ian Lenagan, club director Kris Radlinski and head of performance, Mark Bitcon for helping me achieve a truly memorable and successful 30 years.

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“I have one last task to complete and that is to bring home as much silverware as possible this season.”

Lenagan added: ‘’Shaun Wane will leave Wigan Rugby League Club in the knowledge that his place in Wigan’s history is guaranteed

“ I feel certain that his decision to leave will have been a difficult one but he is a winner who wants to advance his career and challenge himself further on a different stage, having won everything with Wigan.

“He has developed from being a tough and uncompromising rugby league prop in his playing days to become an equally tough and uncompromising head coach but with exceptional technical, tactical and player-motivational skills and a fearsome winning mentality.

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“He has provided Wigan Rugby League Club with some memorable moments in the past six years and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey that we have been on together.

“I have immense respect and admiration for Shaun as a coach and would be delighted to see him sign off his seventh year as Wigan head coach with yet more trophies.

“I feel sure the Wigan fans will join me in ensuring that Shaun gets the appropriate send-off that he so richly deserves.

“In terms of a replacement, Wigan will not rush into an appointment as Shaun goes on to complete his final season.”