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{{Short description|English rugby league club}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox rugby league club
| clubname = Wigan Warriors
| image = [[File:Wigan_Warriors_Logo,_November_2020.svg|170px]]
| fullname = {{nowrap|Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club}}
| nickname = The Cherry and Whites<br />
The Riversiders
| short name =
| founded =
{{Start date and age |df=yes|1872}}<br />as '''Wigan Football Club'''<br />{{Start date and age|df=yes|1879}} <br />''(Re-formed)'' as Wigan Wasps Football Club
| colours = Cherry and White
| web = [https://www.wiganwarriors.com wiganwarriors.com]
| ground = [[Brick Community Stadium]]
| capacity = 25,133
| chairman = Chris Brookes
| coach = [[Matt Peet]]
| captain = [[Liam Farrell]]
| league = [[Super League]]
| season = [[Super League XXIX|2024]]
| position = 1st '''(Champions)'''
| current = 2025 Wigan Warriors season
|cup1 = [[Rugby Football League Championship|Championships]]
| cup1titles = 24
|cup1years = [[1908–09 Northern Rugby Football Union season|1909]], [[1921–22 Northern Rugby Football Union season|1922]], [[1925–26 Northern Rugby Football League season|1926]], [[1933–34 Northern Rugby Football League season|1934]], [[1945–46 Northern Rugby Football League season|1946]], [[1946–47 Northern Rugby Football League season|1947]], [[1949–50 Northern Rugby Football League season|1950]], [[1951–52 Northern Rugby Football League season|1952]], [[1959–60 Northern Rugby Football League season|1960]], [[1986–87 Rugby Football League season|1987]], [[1989–90 Rugby Football League season|1990]], [[1990–91 Rugby Football League season|1991]], [[1991–92 Rugby Football League season|1992]], [[1992–93 Rugby Football League season|1993]], [[1993–94 Rugby Football League season|1994]], [[1994–95 Rugby Football League season|1995]], [[1995–96 Rugby Football League season|1996]], [[1998 Super League Grand Final|1998]], [[2010 Super League Grand Final|2010]], [[2013 Super League Grand Final|2013]], [[2016 Super League Grand Final|2016]], [[2018 Super League Grand Final|2018]], [[2023 Super League Grand Final|2023]], [[2024 Super League Grand Final|2024]]
|cup2 = [[Challenge Cup]]s
| cup2titles = 21
|cup2years = [[1923–24 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1924]], [[1928–29 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1929]], [[1947–48 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1948]], [[1950–51 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1951]], [[1957–58 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1958]], [[1958–59 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1959]], [[1964–65 Northern Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1965]], [[1985 Challenge Cup|1985]], [[1988 Challenge Cup|1988]], [[1989 Challenge Cup|1989]], [[1990 Challenge Cup|1990]], [[1991 Challenge Cup|1991]], [[1992 Challenge Cup|1992]], [[1993 Challenge Cup|1993]], [[1994 Challenge Cup|1994]], [[1995 Challenge Cup|1995]], [[2002 Challenge Cup|2002]], [[2011 Challenge Cup Final|2011]], [[2013 Challenge Cup Final|2013]], [[2022 Challenge Cup Final|2022]], [[2024 Challenge Cup Final|2024]]
|cup3 = [[World Club Challenge]]s
| cup3titles = 5
|cup3years = [[1987 World Club Challenge|1987]], [[1991 World Club Challenge|1991]], [[1994 World Club Challenge|1994]], [[2017 World Club Challenge|2017]], [[2024 World Club Challenge|2024]]
|cup4 = '''Other honours'''
| cup4titles = [[#Honours|113]]
| cap = 774
| mostcap = [[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]]
| points = 4,883
| mostpoints = [[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]]
| pattern_la1 = _whiteborder
| pattern_b1 = _whitehoops
| pattern_ra1 = _whiteborder
| pattern_sh1 = _blackbottom
| pattern_so1 = _blackstripe
| leftarm1 = CE2029
| body1 = CE2029
| rightarm1 = CE2029
| shorts1 = CE2029
| socks1 = CE2029
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| body2 = 000080
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<!-- third -->
| pattern_la3 = _whiteborder
| pattern_b3 =
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}}
'''Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club''' is
The club competes in the [[Super League]], the top tier of the [[British rugby league system]]. Formed in 1872, the club is a founding member of the [[Rugby Football League|Northern Rugby Football Union]] following the schism in 1895. The club is currently the most successful club in the history of the sport, having won 163 trophies in total (8 of these were won prior to the formation of the [[Rugby Football League|Northern Rugby Football Union]]).
The club has played its home games at the [[Brick Community Stadium]] since 1999. Before this time, the club's home was [[Central Park (Wigan)|Central Park]] and had been since 1902. The club first wore the cherry and white colours it is now synonymous for in 1885 and adopted these colours on a permanent basis in late 1888.
The club has won 24 [[List of British rugby league champions|league]] titles (17 first division and 7 [[Super League]]), 21 [[Challenge Cup]]s and 5 [[World Club Challenge]]s. Wigan's most successful period was during the 1980s and 1990s, with the club winning seven consecutive league titles, eight Challenge Cup finals in a row (1988–1995)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/throwback-thursday-wigan-1988-1995-and-the-greatest-challenge-cup-winning-run|title=Wigan 1988-1995 and the greatest challenge cup winning run|website=Loverugbyleague.com|date=14 March 2019 }}</ref> and winning the [[World Club Challenge]] on three occasions including the club's win against [[Brisbane Broncos]] at [[Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre]] with [[1994 World Club Challenge|victory in 1994]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/jason-robinson-world-club-challenge-memories-with-wigan-warriors-and-best-ever-win-versus-brisbane#:~:text=On%20June%201%2C%201994%2C%20the,to%20clinch%20the%20coveted%20title.|title=World Club Challenge 1994 memories and Wigan's 'best ever' win vs Brisbane|website=Loverugbyleague.com|date=23 February 2024 }}</ref>
==History==
{{main|History of Wigan Warriors}}
===1872–1902: Formation, Re-formation and NRFU foundation===
On 21 November 1872, Wigan Football Club was founded by members of [[Wigan Cricket Club]] following a meeting at the Royal Hotel, Standishgate. The meeting saw around 50 members enroll into the club most of whom were members of the cricket club. The following committee was selected: T. R. Ellis, H. V. Kyrke, J. Sayers, E. R. Walker, J. Smith, J. Souter, H. Wall and R. Procter. The recently re-elected Mayor of Wigan Mr Nathan Eckersley was made club President. Many of the club's founding members were well-to-do; some owned businesses or were solicitors, magistrates and suchlike. Wigan F.C. played on Folly Field, near Upper Dicconson Street and used the nearby Dicconson Arms Hotel as a HQ.
The first match took place on 30 November when members played against each other in a practice match at Folly Field the match attracted around 2,000 spectators. After a series of trial and practice matches, they travelled to [[Warrington]] to play their first competitive match on 18 January 1873. The game ended in a draw. The club played six games in its first season finishing with a record of three wins and three draws.
An inability to recruit enough regular and quality players led to many members of Upholland Football Club joining the club in 1876. This was a significant boost to the playing ranks. The club changed its name on 20 October 1876 and became Wigan & District Football Club to represent the new influx of players which had joined from the outskirts of town. The Upholland club disbanded due to the large number of players who joined Wigan. The club moved and played its home games at the Wigan Cricket Club at Prescott Street just off Frog Lane. The first game at Prescott Street was played against St. Helens on 25 November 1876 which Wigan won comfortably.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.earlywiganrugby.co.uk/grounds|title=earlyWIGANrugby - Grounds|website=Earlywiganrugby.co.uk|access-date=11 October 2020|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613124956/https://www.earlywiganrugby.co.uk/grounds|url-status=dead}}</ref> The club did not fulfil all its fixtures in the 1877/78 season. The club played its last match that season against Liverpool Wanderers on 17 November 1877. There are no current records of the club after 23 November 1877 that year as the club disbanded. Many of the members who joined Wigan from Upholland eventually returned to the Upholland club which was re-formed following the Wigan club being disbanded.
On 22 September 1879, the club was re-formed as Wigan Wasps Football Club by new members at a meeting in the Dicconson Arms. The main instigators of the re-formation of the club anew were W. L. Baldwin, [[Jim Slevin|J. Slevin]], J. Underwood, Joe Wardle and others. Mr. Underwood was secretary and Mr. Alfred Hodgkinson was named as the treasurer. Many of the new members involved in the re-establishment of the club had also been involved with the Hare & Hounds running club and were of a more working-class background than the cricketers who had originally founded the club. The club moved back to Folly Field and used the Dicconson Arms Hotel as a HQ again before using the Legs of Man Hotel in the town centre as a HQ a few years later.
In 1881 the club reverted to its original name of Wigan Football Club. It had been suggested that the club should do so but this was finally decided when Club Secretary William Marsden wrote to Wigan Cricket Club to see if they would be forming another football club in the near future as they had done when originally creating Wigan. The cricketers weren't involved with the club anymore but Mr Marsden felt it would be courtesy to ask what their intentions were in relation to football. The secretary of the cricket club wrote back saying it was completely justified for Wigan Wasps to become Wigan Football Club again as the cricketers had no intention of forming another football club with that name or being involved with football at all and as such the club remained the only rugby football club in town at that time.
In 1883, Wigan won its first trophy, the Wigan Union Charity Cup. The club won the West Lancashire and Border Towns Union Cup in 1884 and the Wigan Union Charity Cup again in 1885. The club played in cherry and white jerseys for the first time on 26 September 1885.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ancientloyal.blogspot.com/2020/02/cherry-and-white-since.html|title=(Early WIGAN Rugby): Cherry and White since...|date=6 February 2020}}</ref>
In 1888 they hosted the touring New Zealand Maoris.
[[File:Wigan_Football_Club_in_1885_with_the_Wigan_Union_Charity_Cup.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The team of Wigan Football Club in 1885 with the Wigan Union Charity Cup]]
During this era Wigan were represented by some iconic players. [[Jim Slevin|James 'Jim' Slevin]], [[Edward Bullough (rugby)|Ned Bullough]], William 'Billy' Atkinson and [[John 'Jack' Anderton]]. [[Jim Slevin]] arguably being the most important player for Wigan during this era. He made a total of 290 appearances, scoring 131 tries and was involved in the club winning 8 trophies.
[[File:Jim_Slevin.png|thumb|right|200px|Jim Slevin of Wigan Football Club pictured with the Wigan Union Charity Cup and the West Lancashire and Border Towns Union trophy]]
Wigan, Leigh and Salford were suspended by the [[Rugby Football Union|RFU]] for breaking the strict amateur code despite their argument that broken-time payments were necessary to avoid undue hardship for their working class players. The clubs were placed joint bottom of the Lancashire league. With automatic promotion and relegation, they faced dropping down a division, and potential financial ruin. In 1895 Wigan joined with other clubs from [[Yorkshire]] and [[Lancashire]] to found the [[Rugby Football League|Northern Union]] which led eventually to the sport of [[rugby league]]. This was a result of the breakaway from the [[Rugby Football Union]].
The County Championship was introduced in October 1895 with Cheshire entertaining Lancashire. The Red Rose side contained three players from Wigan: Winstanley (full back) and Unsworth and Brown (forwards).
In 1896–97, due to the increased number of Northern Union teams the Northern League was abandoned in favour of two County Senior leagues. The second half of the season saw the introduction of the Northern Union Cup (later known as the Rugby League Cup). Wigan reached the third round before being knocked out by St. Helens.
In 1904, fourteen clubs resigned from the two county leagues to form a new Northern Rugby League for season 1901–02. Wigan, however, remained in the Lancashire Senior Competition.
Wigan became sub-tenants of Springfield Park, which they shared with Wigan United AFC, playing their first game there on 14 September 1901. A crowd of 4,000 saw them beat Morecambe 12–0. During this season Wigan won the Lancashire Senior Competition.
Wigan's record crowd at Springfield was 10,000 when they beat Widnes on 19 March 1902. The last game was on 28 April 1902 when Wigan beat the Rest of Lancashire Senior Competition. Two meetings were held by Wigan members during the season to discuss the possibility of turning the club into a Limited Company but the idea did not take off.
===1902–1945: Move to Central Park and Wartime Emergency League===
[[File:Wigan fc team c1900.jpg|thumb|250px|Team of Wigan FC, c. 1900]]
On 6 September 1902, Wigan played at [[Central Park (Wigan)|Central Park]] for the first time in the opening match of the newly formed First Division. An estimated crowd of 9,000 spectators saw Wigan beat [[Batley Bulldogs|Batley]] 14–8.
In the 1905–06 season they won their first cup, in rugby league, the [[RFL Lancashire Cup|Lancashire]] [[Rugby league county cups|County Cup]]. Between 1906 and 1923 Wigan won the Lancashire League another seven times and the Lancashire Cup another four times. Wigan were the first winners of the Lancashire cup.
Wigan played New Zealand on 9 November 1907 and ran out winners by 12 points to 8 in front of a crowd of around 30,000.
Great Britain, then known as the Northern Union, played their first-ever test against New Zealand on 25 January 1908. [[Jim Leytham|James "Jim" Leytham]], [[Bert Jenkins]] and [[Johnny Thomas (rugby)|John "Johnny" Thomas]] of Wigan were in the home side and Leytham scored a try. Jenkins and Thomas had previously played in the first Welsh game against New Zealand on 1 January 1908.
On Saturday 28 October 1911, Wigan played a match against the Australasian team which visited England on the [[1911–12 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain]] and won.
On 12 May 1921, Wigan became a limited company.
In June 1922 [[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]] joined Wigan from Cardiff RFC when he was only 17. His cash value was put at £750, which was a staggering signing-on fee for an adolescent who had not yet played 13-a-side rugby (based on increases in average earnings, this would be approximately £137,700 in 2015).<ref name="Measuring Worth - Relative Value of UK Pounds">{{cite web|url=http://www.measuringworth.com/ukcompare/|title=Measuring Worth – Relative Value of UK Pounds|publisher=Measuring Worth|date=31 December 2014|access-date=1 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218073541/https://www.measuringworth.com/ukcompare/|archive-date=18 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> His first game was at home against Widnes on 27 August 1921, and he scored ten points in a 21–0 win. Almost inevitably, Jim Sullivan scored the first points in the first Challenge Cup Final to be played at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]], kicking a penalty after only three minutes of the inaugural Challenge Cup Final against Dewsbury in 1929 in which he led Wigan to a 13–2 victory. Sullivan became player-coach in 1932.
Wigan won their first [[Challenge Cup]] in the [[1923–24 Northern Rugby Football League season|1923–24 season]] when they beat [[Oldham R.L.F.C.|Oldham]] 21–4 in [[Rochdale]].
In 1933 the [[Prince of Wales]] attended [[Central Park (Wigan)|Central Park]], becoming the first royal to watch a rugby league match.
On 25 October 1938 Australian [[Harry Sunderland]] arrived in Wigan to take up the duties of Secretary-Manager at Central Park. On 28 September the following year, Sunderland's contract was terminated and he and the club parted company.
The outbreak of World War II disrupted the [[Rugby Football League Championship]] but Wigan continued to play in the Lancashire War League and the Emergency War League.
During the war years the club went through the 1940–41 season unbeaten although they lost the Championship final. They lost the 1944 Challenge Cup Final over two games to [[Bradford Bulls|Bradford Northern]] 8–3 but made up for it beating Dewsbury in the Championship Final.
===1945–1980: Post war era===
Jim Sullivan's last game, as a player, for Wigan was at [[Mount Pleasant, Batley|Mount Pleasant]], [[Batley]], on 23 February 1946. He remained at Central Park for another six seasons as coach.
In 1948 Wigan took part in the first televised rugby league match when their 8–3 Challenge Cup Final victory over [[Bradford Bulls|Bradford Northern]] was broadcast to the Midlands. In another first this was the first rugby league match to be attended by the reigning monarch, [[King George VI]], who presented the trophy.
On Saturday 27 October 1951, 33,230 spectators saw Wigan beat Leigh 14–6 in the final of the Lancashire Cup at [[Station Road, Swinton|Station Road]], [[Swinton, Greater Manchester|Swinton]]. In 1952 Wigan won their sixth consecutive Lancashire Cup.
Wigan were also featured in the first league match to be broadcast, a clash with [[Wakefield Trinity]] at Central Park on 12 January 1952.
In 1953 Wigan signed [[Billy Boston]] for £150. 8,000 fans saw Billy Boston début for Wigan in the 'A' team. He later became one of the most successful and famous Wigan players of all time. [[Eric Ashton]] signed for Wigan for £150 in 1955. Wigan went to [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] six times in the Boston / Ashton era and won three times.
The visit of [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]] on 27 March 1959 produced Central Park's all-time record attendance of 47,747 which is still a record for any rugby league game in [[Lancashire]]. Wigan went on to win the game 19–14 after holding off a Saints comeback. [[Mick Sullivan]] moved to Wigan for a then record £9,500 fee in 1957.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2016/04/06/mick-sullivan-rugby-player---obituary/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2016/04/06/mick-sullivan-rugby-player---obituary/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Mick Sullivan, rugby player - obituary|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=6 April 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
[[Joe Egan (rugby league)|Joe Egan]] returned to coach Wigan and during his time they won the Championship play-off final in 1960 defeating [[Wakefield Trinity]] 21–5, the Challenge Cup in 1958, 1959, 13–9 against [[Workington Town]] and 30–13 against [[Hull F.C.]] respectively before losing in 12–6 to St. Helens in 1961 which was to be his last game in charge.
Wigan continued to have regular success in both league and cup competitions until 1974 when Wigan went eight seasons without winning any leagues or cups.
Eric Ashton coached Wigan from 1963 to 1973. In 1966, Wigan locked television cameras out of their ground in the belief that they affected attendances. They were fined £500 by the [[Rugby Football League]]. Wigan beat [[Oldham R.L.F.C.|Oldham]] 16–13 in the 1966 Lancashire Cup Final. Billy Boston played his last match in the cherry and white, against [[Wakefield Trinity]] at the end of April 1968.
Wigan celebrated the centenary year of the club in November 1972, with a match against Australia at Central Park, on Saturday 17 November, the result finished as a 18–18 draw.
Wigan pulled off a surprise victory 19–9 over [[Salford Red Devils|Salford]] in the Lancashire Cup Final which was played at [[Wilderspool Stadium|Wilderspool]], [[Warrington]] on Saturday 13 October 1973. Cup holders Salford had lost only one match prior to the final, against the touring Australians.
Ted Toohey became coach of Wigan in May 1974 before being sacked in January 1975, this would set the pattern of coaches lasting one or two seasons before being replaced. Star coach, Joe Coan then took control until he resigned in September 1976, the board accepted his decision "with reluctance". [[Vince Karalius]] then took over but was sacked in September 1979, he was replaced by [[Kel Coslett]].
===1980–1996: Relegation, subsequent promotion, and most successful period===
In 1980, Wigan were relegated from the top flight for the first time in their history and Coslett was replaced by [[George Fairbairn (rugby league)|George Fairbairn]] as player-coach. During the second division season they recorded a record average attendance for the division of 8,198. Wigan won promotion back to the top flight the following season but Fairbairn lasted no longer than May 1981 before moving to [[Hull Kingston Rovers]]. [[Maurice Bamford]] took over as coach of Wigan before being sacked in May 1982 and was replaced by [[Alex Murphy (rugby league)|Alex Murphy]].
[[Maurice Lindsay (rugby league)|Maurice Lindsay]] came to Wigan in the early 1980s to join directors Jack Robinson, Tom Rathbone and ex-player Jack Hilton. Wigan became one of the first teams to go full-time professional in the league, this led to an upsurge in the fortunes of the club.
Between February and October 1987, under new coach, former [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] coach [[Graham Lowe]], Wigan won a record 29 games in a row as follows: 20 Division One matches, 3 Premiership Trophy matches, 4 Lancashire Cup matches, 1 Charity Shield final, 1 [[World Club Challenge]] Final. Wigan defeated Australian club [[Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles|Manly-Warringah]] 8–2 in front of a crowd of 36,895 at Central Park for an unofficial World Club Championship (though many who were at Central Park still claim the attendance was closer to 50,000).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-club-challenge-1987/wigan-vs-manly-warringah.html|title=World Club Challenge 1987 - Rugby League Project|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325202440/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-club-challenge-1987/wigan-vs-manly-warringah.html|archive-date=25 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the first time an English club side had beaten a team of Australians at rugby league since the [[1978 Kangaroo tour]]. After Lowe left in 1989, Australian [[John Monie]], a former [[1986 NSWRL season|premiership winning]] coach with the [[Parramatta Eels]], continued the success at Central Park. From 1988 to 1995 Wigan won the Challenge Cup 8 seasons in a row including their 27–0 win over St Helens in 1989, the first time any team had been held scoreless in a Cup Final at Wembley; this period was Wigan's most successful period to date. They also won the Championship seven times, League Cup four times, Premiership Trophy three times, Charity Shield twice and three World Club Championships.
In February 1990, Wigan announced a record £280,000 profit but by 1993 this had become a loss of £300,000 on a turnover of £3 million, in no small way to the cost of the Whitbread Stand that had been built at the clubhouse end of Central Park in 1991–92 at an estimated cost of £1.3 million. By March 1994 Wigan's wage bill topped £2 million a year.
[[John Dorahy]] became coach for the 1993 season. Despite supervising Wigan through to the [[Challenge Cup]] and the [[Rugby Football League Championship]], Dorahy was dismissed in May 1994, only days after the club's return from [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]]. In a statement by the club, Dorahy was said to have been sacked for "gross misconduct".<ref name="Wigan sacking">{{cite news|format=fee required |author=Hadfield, Dave |publisher=AAP Sports News (Australia) |title=Dorahy sacked by Wigan for 'gross misconduct' |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4648886.html |access-date=19 January 2008 |date=5 May 1994 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517000409/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4648886.html |archive-date=17 May 2011 }}</ref> [[Graeme West]] was appointed as coach, after fans petitioned for him to get the job.
In his first month as coach, at the end of the [[1993–94 Rugby Football League season]] West secured the First Division Premiership Trophy against Castleford, and then traveled with the team to Brisbane, guiding them in their [[1994 World Club Challenge]] victory over Australian premiers, the [[Brisbane Broncos]] in front of a WCC record attendance of 54,220.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-club-challenge-1994/brisbane-vs-wigan.html|title=World Club Challenge 1994 - Rugby League Project|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311172550/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-club-challenge-1994/brisbane-vs-wigan.html|archive-date=11 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of his first full season, he and the team won the League Championship, Challenge Cup, Regal Trophy, and Premiership—the 'Grand Slam' of all 4 trophies. Even though Wigan dominated rugby league from 1985 to 1995, it was the only season the club achieved this feat. This would be somewhat surpassed in 2024, with Wigan winning all 4 trophies available to them in the same season, the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders Shield and Super League Grand Final.
===1996–present: Summer era rugby===
Wigan played in a [[Clash of the Codes (rugby)|special 2 match challenge series]] against [[Bath Rugby|Bath RFC]] in 1996, with one game played under league rules, and the other under union rules. Wigan won the league game 82–6 at [[Maine Road]], but lost the return union game 44–19 at [[Twickenham Stadium|Twickenham]].
In July 1996 [[Andy Farrell]] was named the Wigan club's captain.<ref>{{cite news
| title = Farrell switches codes
| work = Telegraph.co.uk
| place = UK
| publisher = Telegraph Media Group Limited
| date = 23 March 2005
| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2357119/Farrell-switches-codes.html
| access-date = 30 June 2010
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121114130738/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2357119/Farrell-switches-codes.html
| archive-date = 14 November 2012
| url-status = live
}}</ref> Farrell enjoyed a fantastic 1996 and was rewarded with the [[Steve Prescott Man of Steel|Man of Steel Award]].
[[Eric Hughes (rugby, born 1950)|Eric Hughes]] became coach of Wigan Warriors, replacing [[Graeme West]] in February 1997 following an early exit from the Challenge Cup in 2 consecutive years. In 1997 the club was renamed as the Wigan Warriors. Wigan's dominance came under threat with the new league now fully professional and the introduction of the salary cap and the 20/20 rule. After going out of the [[Challenge Cup]] to [[Salford Red Devils|Salford]] in 1996 and St Helens in 1997, they returned to Wembley for the final time in 1998. Still undefeated in the league and the fact coach [[John Monie]]—in his second spell at Wigan—had never lost a cup tie meant Wigan were huge favourites against the unfancied [[Sheffield Eagles (1984)|Sheffield Eagles]]. But on 2 May 1998 the Eagles would go down in rugby league history causing the biggest upset in the competition's history with a 17–8 win.
Wigan won the Minor Premiership and the first [[1998 Super League Grand Final|Super League Grand Final]] in 1998 with a 10–4 victory over [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]] at [[Old Trafford]], [[Manchester]].
In November 1999, coach [[Andy Goodway]] was sacked by Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay after the Warriors' failure to win a trophy for the first time in 15 years. After a buy-out by [[Dave Whelan]], both the Warriors and the town's football team, [[Wigan Athletic]], moved to the [[JJB Stadium]]. As part of the rugby league's "on the road" scheme Wigan met [[Gateshead Thunder (1999)|Gateshead Thunder]] at [[Tynecastle Stadium|Tynecastle]], [[Edinburgh]]. Maurice Lindsay also returned as director. On an emotional day of high drama Wigan's final game at [[Central Park (Wigan)|Central Park]] was against arch rivals St Helens on Sunday 5 September 1999. Wigan legend [[Ellery Hanley]] returned as St Helens coach but a [[Jason Robinson (rugby)|Jason Robinson]] virtuoso try meant the game was won by Wigan 28–20. The first game at the new stadium was a defeat in a Super League play-off match against [[Castleford Tigers|Castleford]] on 19 September 1999.
[[Frank Endacott]] joined Wigan as head coach after the 1999 season and in [[2000 Super League season|2000]] Wigan finished top of the Super League and reached the Grand Final for the second time but were beaten 29–16 by [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]]. Endacott was sacked in 2001 following a string of poor results<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Callum |date=2021-03-29 |title=The top five most brutal sackings in Super League history |url=https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/the-top-five-most-brutal-sackings-in-super-league-history-38216/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Serious About Rugby League |language=en-GB}}</ref> and was replaced by Australian [[Stuart Raper]]. Raper guided Wigan to the [[2001 Super League Grand Final]] but were well beaten by [[Bradford Bulls]], 37-6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Tetley's Super League - Grand Final - Bradford Bulls 37 def. Wigan Warriors 6 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-vi-2001/grand-final/bradford-bulls-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> That year [[Andy Farrell]] also set a new club record for points in a season with 429.
However, the following season Raper guided Wigan to their 17th Challenge Cup, defeating St Helens [[2002 Challenge Cup|21-12]] at [[Murrayfield Stadium]], 7 years after previously lifting the trophy. Wigan's [[Kris Radlinski]] inspired the side with a player-of-the-match performance against the much-fancied Saints to claim the [[Lance Todd Trophy]] despite being in hospital the previous week with a foot infection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge Cup 2002 - Final - St Helens 12 lost to Wigan Warriors 21 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/challenge-cup-2002/summary.html |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
[[Stuart Raper]] was sacked in July 2003<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-07-29 |title=Wigan sack Raper |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/3105979.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref> and was replaced by assistant coach [[Mike Gregory]] - Gregory oversaw an improvement and led the Warriors to a third place finish as Wigan became the first team from outside of the top-two to reach the [[2003 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]]. However, Wigan fell short on the night and were defeated by [[Bradford Bulls]] 25-12.
In 2004 Gregory guided Wigan to the [[2004 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] final at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in Cardiff but Wigan could not repeat their 2002 feat and were beaten 32-16.
Defeat was Gregory's final match as Head Coach of Wigan who travelled to the [[USA]] to receive treatment for an illness he contracted after an insect bite whilst in [[Australia]].<ref name="Gregory in health scare">{{cite news
| title = Gregory in health scare
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/3660791.stm
| work = BBC Sport
| date = 26 April 2004
| access-date = 4 June 2008
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070604155222/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/3660791.stm
| archive-date = 4 June 2007
| url-status = live
}}</ref>
It later emerged that Gregory was suffering with [[Motor Neurone Disease]] and he did not return as Wigan coach.
Denis Betts took over as Wigan Head Coach, leading Wigan to a fourth place finish in [[Super League IX|2004]]. Despite play-off victories against [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Tetley's Super League - Elim Playoff - Wigan Warriors 18 def. St Helens 12 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-ix-2004/elimination-playoff/wigan-warriors-vs-st-helens/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> and [[Wakefield Trinity|Wakefield Trinity Wildcats]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Tetley's Super League - Elim Semi - Wigan Warriors 18 def. Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 14 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-ix-2004/elimination-semi/wigan-warriors-vs-wakefield-trinity-wildcats/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> Wigan missed out on the [[2004 Super League Grand Final|2004 Grand Final]], losing to [[Leeds Rhinos]] in the Final Eliminator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Tetley's Super League - Final Elim - Leeds Rhinos 40 def. Wigan Warriors 12 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-ix-2004/final-eliminator/leeds-rhinos-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
After a stellar season played largely at prop forward, Wigan captain [[Andy Farrell]] was named [[Steve Prescott Man of Steel|Man of Steel]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Andy |date=2004-10-13 |title=Farrell regains Man of Steel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/oct/13/rugbyleague.wiganwarriors |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> for the second time.
In March [[Super League X|2005]], [[Andy Farrell|Farrell]] signed for [[Rugby Union]] side [[Saracens FC|Saracens]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-03-23 |title=Saracens sign league star Farrell |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/4333459.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref> He was replaced as captain by [[Kris Radlinski]]. Wigan's form in early 2005 was inconsistent, but they did defeat [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] in the traditional Good Friday Derby 22-20 in front of a record crowd of 25,004.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Engage Super League - Round 7 - Wigan Warriors 22 def. St Helens 20 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-x-2005/round-7/wigan-warriors-vs-st-helens/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> Betts was later demoted to Assistant Coach and replaced as Head Coach by former [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] boss [[Ian Millward]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-05-22 |title=Millward appointed coach of Wigan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/4570497.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref> However, Millward's tenure was not a successful period and included embarrassing defeats to [[Leeds Rhinos]] and [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] 70-0<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Engage Super League - Round 18 - Leeds Rhinos 70 def. Wigan Warriors 0 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-x-2005/round-18/leeds-rhinos-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> and 75-0 respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-06-26 |title=St Helens 75-0 Wigan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/challenge_cup/4622989.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
2006 proved to be another tough year for Wigan with [[Ian Millward]] being sacked following a run of one win in eight games which saw the club face a genuine threat of relegation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2006-04-11 |title=Coach Millward sacked by Warriors |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/4900790.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The Australian was replaced by [[Bradford Bulls]] and [[Great Britain Rugby League|Great Britain]] coach [[Brian Noble (rugby league)|Brian Noble]]. Despite a points deduction following a breach of the salary cap,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Andy |date=2006-08-08 |title=Wigan docked for salary breach |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/aug/08/rugbyleague.sport |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> the side rallied under Noble and eventually finished in 8th position just outside the play-offs.
In early 2006, club captain [[Kris Radlinski]] retired from playing owing to persistent injuries.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2006-03-02 |title=Injury forces Radlinski to retire |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/mar/02/rugbyleague.wiganwarriors |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Despite later coming out of retirement in an attempt to help the club avoid relegation,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Gareth |date=2006-06-13 |title=Radlinski ends retirement to help out Wigan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jun/13/rugbyleague.sport |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Radlinski was replaced as skipper by 23 year-old loose forward [[Sean O'Loughlin]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-12-09 |title=O'Loughlin named as Wigan skipper |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/4514234.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Wigan improved in [[Super League XII|2007]], inspired by the acquisition of Australian stand-off [[Trent Barrett]] and appeared set for a first appearance in the play-offs since 2004, however, this was placed under threat following another points deduction - taking the team from 4th to 9th place.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Andy |date=2007-07-25 |title=Wigan docked four points for breaking £1.6m salary cap |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jul/26/rugbyleague.sport |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Wigan also reached the Challenge Cup Semi Finals in [[2007 Challenge Cup|2007]] but were defeated by [[Catalans Dragons]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge Cup 2007 - Semi Final - Catalans Dragons 37 def. Wigan Warriors 24 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/challenge-cup-2007/semi-final/catalans-dragons-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> Following the points deduction and semi final defeat, Wigan Chairman [[Maurice Lindsay (rugby league)|Maurice Lindsay]] announced that he would stepping down from his role at the end of the campaign.
The Warriors recovered from a difficult mid-season to finish sixth in the regular season and qualify for the play-offs. In this play-off campaign, Wigan overturned a 30-6 deficit to defeat [[Bradford Bulls]] 30-31 in a match widely regarded as the greatest comeback in [[Betfred Super League|Super League]] history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Engage Super League - Elim Playoff - Bradford Bulls 30 lost to Wigan Warriors 31 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xii-2007/elimination-playoff/bradford-bulls-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> The following week, Wigan defeated [[Hull FC]] 18-21<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Engage Super League - Elim Semi - Hull FC 18 lost to Wigan Warriors 21 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xii-2007/elimination-semi/hull-fc-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> to set up a play-off eliminator with [[Leeds Rhinos]]. Unfortunately for Wigan, this proved one game too far and the Warriors were defeated 36-6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Engage Super League - Final Elim - Leeds Rhinos 36 def. Wigan Warriors 6 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xii-2007/final-eliminator/leeds-rhinos-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
At the end of the 2007 season, it was announced that [[London Broncos|Harlequins]] owner [[Ian Lenagan]] had purchased an 89% stake in the club.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-10-24 |title=Lenagan seals takeover of Wigan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7059459.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The [[Super League XIII|2008 Super League season]] saw Wigan finish in fourth place - a best finish since 2004. However, the club again fell short of the [[Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]], losing 18-14 to [[Leeds Rhinos]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 Engage Super League - Final Elim - Leeds Rhinos 18 def. Wigan Warriors 14 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xiii-2008/final-eliminator/leeds-rhinos-vs-wigan-warriors/stats.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
Wigan initially struggled in [[Super League XIV|the 2009 Super League season]] and suffered an embarrassing defeat to winless [[Celtic Crusaders]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Engage Super League - Round 16 - Celtic Crusaders 22 def. Wigan Warriors 16 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xiv-2009/round-16/celtic-crusaders-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> Wigan again reached the [[2009 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] semi-final and play off final eliminator, but were defeated by [[Warrington Wolves]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge Cup 2009 - Semi Final - Warrington Wolves 39 def. Wigan Warriors 26 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/challenge-cup-2009/semi-final/warrington-wolves-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> and [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-10-03 |title=St Helens 14-10 Wigan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8278337.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Despite leading Wigan to five semi-finals in three seasons, Brian Noble's contract as Head Coach was not renewed at the close of the [[Super League XIV|2009]] season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-10-09 |title=A Noble way to go |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/manchester/hi/tv_and_radio/newsid_8298000/8298622.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Noble is credited with stabilising the Warriors following a tumultuous 2005 and 2006.
Noble was replaced by [[Melbourne Storm]] assistant coach [[Michael Maguire (rugby league)|Michael Maguire]] who was appointed as the new Head Coach ahead of the 2010 season.
One of Maguire's first actions was to implement a 'leadership group' in which several players would join [[Sean O'Loughlin]] as captain on a match-by-match basis.
Despite only making one major close-season signing, the upturn in Wigan's fortune under Maguire was immediate - opening the campaign with a comprehensive 38-6 win at home to [[Crusaders Rugby League|Crusaders]]. Maguire also led the Warriors to their maiden victory at Warrington's [[Halliwell Jones Stadium]], where the club had not won since its opening in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Engage Super League - Round 3 - Warrington Wolves 20 lost to Wigan Warriors 22 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xv-2010/round-3/warrington-wolves-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> Further success followed when Wigan defeated [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] 10-18 in the traditional Good Friday fixture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Engage Super League - Round 9 - St Helens 10 lost to Wigan Warriors 18 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xv-2010/round-9/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> This was Wigan's first Easter victory over Saints since 2005 and meant Wigan won the final meeting between the clubs at [[Knowsley Road]]. Wigan finished the [[Super League XV|season]] in top spot for the first time since [[Super League V|2000]] and claimed the [[League Leaders Shield]]. Following victories over [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] and [[Leeds Rhinos]] in the [[Super League XV|Super League]] play-offs, Wigan reached the [[Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] for the first time since 2003. Wigan went on to defeat rivals St Helens [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] 22-10 at [[Old Trafford]] in front of 71,526 spectators - the club's first league championship since [[Super League III|1998]] and 19th in total. The club also swept the boards at the annual [[Man of Steel Award]]s, with [[Sam Tomkins]] winning young player of the year, [[Michael Maguire (rugby league)|Michael Maguire]] claiming coach of the year, winger [[Pat Richards]] taking the Man of Steel award whilst the club was named club of the year.
Victory meant that Wigan qualified for the [[2011 World Club Challenge]] in which they were defeated 15-21 by Australian premiers [[St George Illawarra Dragons]].
Ahead of the [[Super League XVI|2011]] campaign, the leadership group was dropped and [[Sean O'Loughlin]] returned as sole captain<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-01-28 |title=Wigan name O'Loughlin as captain |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9379345.stm |access-date=2024-10-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref> - a position he would retain until his retirement in 2020.
[[Super League XVI|2011]] was another successful year for Wigan with the club reaching their first [[Challenge Cup Final]] for seven years, defeating [[Leeds Rhinos]] 28-18.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/tomkins-plays-down-vsign-row-after-wigan-roll-back-the-years-2345583.html|title=Tomkins plays down v-sign row after Wigan roll back the years|date=29 August 2011|work=Independent|access-date=13 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124192751/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/tomkins-plays-down-vsign-row-after-wigan-roll-back-the-years-2345583.html|archive-date=24 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Victory marked Wigan's first [[Challenge Cup]] victory since [[2002 Challenge Cup|2002]] and a first victory at [[Wembley Stadium]] since [[1995 Challenge Cup|1995]]. However, Wigan could not retain their [[Super League]] crown, losing in the play-offs to [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Engage Super League - Qualif Semi - St Helens 26 def. Wigan Warriors 18 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xvi-2011/qualifying-semi/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
[[File:Wembley Stadium (49789469466).jpg|thumb|left|250px|Wigan Warriors at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]] ahead of the [[2011 Challenge Cup Final]]]]
Following the conclusion of the [[Super League XVI|2011]] season, [[Michael Maguire (rugby league)|Michael Maguire]] left his position to return to Australia to coach [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]]. Maguire is credited with returning the Warriors to the top table of British [[Rugby League]] after a difficult decade.
Maguire was replaced as Head Coach by his assistant [[Shaun Wane]].
Wane's [[Super League XVII|debut season]] started poorly with a 16-20 defeat at home to [[Huddersfield Giants]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Stobart Super League - Round 1 - Wigan Warriors 16 lost to Huddersfield Giants 20 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xvii-2012/round-1/wigan-warriors-vs-huddersfield-giants/stats.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> However, Wigan's form soon recovered, with Wane claiming victory in that season's Good Friday Derby, defeating [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] 10-28 in the first derby to take place at [[Totally Wicked Stadium|Langtree Park]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Charlotte |date=2024-03-25 |title=Derby day wins at Saints |url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/03/25/derby-day-wins-at-saints/#:~:text=%F0%9F%97%93%F0%9F%93%8DON%20THIS%20DAY,at%20Langtree%20Park%2010-28!&text=Yet%20another%20memorable%20Good%20Friday,perfect%20start%20to%20the%20season |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Wigan Warriors |language=en-GB}}</ref> Wigan also went on a 10-game winning streak which included thrashings of [[St Helens RFC|Saints]] at [[Magic Weekend]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-05-21 |title=St Helens 16-42 Wigan Warriors |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/18154766 |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> and [[Leeds Rhinos]] at [[Headingley Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-05-30 |title=Leeds 8-50 Wigan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/18265804 |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Wane guided the Warriors to a first-placed finish and claimed the [[League Leaders Shield]], but was unable to reach either the [[2012 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup Final]] or [[2012 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] - falling to [[Leeds Rhinos]] in the semi-finals of both competitions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge Cup 2012 - Semi Final - Leeds Rhinos 39 def. Wigan Warriors 28 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/challenge-cup-2012/semi-final/leeds-rhinos-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-09-25 |title=Wigan Warriors 12-13 Leeds Rhinos |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/19718480 |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Warriors full-back [[Sam Tomkins]] was named 2012 [[Steve Prescott Man of Steel]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-10-01 |title=Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins named 2012 Man of Steel |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/19796009 |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Expectations were varied ahead of the [[Super League XVIII|2013]] campaign, with the Warriors having lost several key players. However, it turned out to a be a memorable year for club. Wigan firstly claimed a 19th [[Challenge Cup]] victory, defeating [[Hull FC]] [[2013 Challenge Cup final|16-0]] at [[Wembley Stadium]]. Wigan then righted the wrongs of 2011 and 2012 in reaching the [[2013 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] - the Warriors recovered from a 16-2 deficit to defeat [[Warrington Wolves]] 16-30 and claimed a 20th league title and a League and Cup double - the club's first since [[1994-95 Rugby Football League season|1995]].
Following victory in the Grand Final, Wigan broke with custom and travelled to [[Australia]] to contest the [[2014 World Club Challenge]], but were defeated 36-14 by the [[Sydney Roosters]].
The Warriors finished in second place in [[2014 Super League|2014]] and reached the [[2014 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] where they were defeated 14-6 by [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] in a game that was overshadowed by prop forward [[Ben Flower]]'s red card for a brutal double punch on Saints halfback [[Lance Hohaia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 First Utility Super League - Grand Final - St Helens 14 def. Wigan Warriors 6 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xix-2014/grand-final/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> The Warriors were also knocked out of the [[2014 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] at the quarter-final stage by [[Castleford Tigers]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-06-05 |title=Challenge Cup: Wigan Warriors 4-16 Castleford Tigers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/27682599 |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Wigan again finished in second place in [[2015 Super League|2015]] and reached an eighth [[2015 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]]. However, they were again defeated - losing 22-20 to [[Leeds Rhinos]] in front of a record crowd of 73,512.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest attendance at a rugby league Super League Grand Final |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/411733-largest-attendance-at-a-rugby-league-super-league-grand-final |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241227220202/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/411733-largest-attendance-at-a-rugby-league-super-league-grand-final |archive-date=2024-12-27 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Guinness World Records |language=en-GB}}</ref> Wigan suffered a shock early exit in the [[2015 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] - losing to [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] in the sixth round.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2015-05-15 |title=Hull KR shock Wigan in Challenge Cup thanks to late try from Ken Sio |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/15/wigan-hull-kr-challenge-cup-match-report |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
Wigan fared better in [[2016 Super League season|2016]]. The club reached the semi-finals of the [[2016 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]], losing to [[Hull FC]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge Cup 2016 - Semi Final - Wigan Warriors 12 lost to Hull FC 16 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/challenge-cup-2016/semi-final/wigan-warriors-vs-hull-fc/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> and recorded a third successive second-placed finish and a fourth straight [[2016 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] appearance. However, the Warriors were able to put the disappointment of the previous two years behind them and defeated [[Warrington Wolves]] 6-12.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-10-06 |title=Super League Grand Final: Warrington Wolves 6-12 Wigan Warriors |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/37550948 |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Victory marked Wigan's fourth [[Super League]] title, and 21st Championship in total.
[[Super League XXII|2017]] was a mixed season for Wigan. The club claimed a record-extending fourth [[2017 World Club Challenge]] victory with a win over [[Cronulla Sharks]], 22-6. However, Wigan's form dropped and in mid-season, the side went eight [[Super League]] matches without a win. The Warriors finished the season in sixth place, missing out on the play-offs for the first time since [[Super League XI|2006]]. Wigan also lost out in the [[2017 Challenge Cup Final|Challenge Cup Final]], where they were defeated 18-14 by [[Hull FC]] at [[Wembley|Wembley Stadium]].
[[2018 Super League season|2018]] was a brighter year for Wigan. The year began with a trip to Australia in Round 2 to play [[Hull FC]] in the first-ever Super League game to be played outside of Europe. Wigan were victorious at [[WIN Stadium]], defeating Hull FC 24–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Betfred Super League - Round 2 - Wigan Warriors 24 def. Hull FC 10 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxiii-2018/round-2/wigan-warriors-vs-hull-fc/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> At the Super 8s stage of the season, Wigan won an unprecedented 7 out of 7 matches<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super League XXIII 2018 - Wigan Warriors - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxiii-2018/wigan/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> including revenge for the Good Friday defeat<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Betfred Super League - Round 8 - St Helens 21 def. Wigan Warriors 18 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxiii-2018/round-8/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> by soundly beating arch rivals St Helens 10-30 at the [[Totally Wicked Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dollin |first=Shawn |title=2018 Betfred Super League - s3 - St Helens 10 lost to Wigan Warriors 30 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxiii-2018/s3/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241228085512/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxiii-2018/s3/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |archive-date=2024-12-28 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org |language=en}}</ref> Wigan reached a sixth [[2018 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] in nine years with a 14-0 play-off victory against [[Castleford Tigers]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wigan 14-0 Castleford: Warriors secure Grand Final meeting with Warrington |work=Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/wigan-vs-castleford/50032 |access-date=2025-01-24}}</ref> where they again faced [[Warrington Wolves]]. Two tries from winger [[Dom Manfredi]] helped the Warriors to a 12–4 win in front of 64,892. This was the club's fifth Grand Final win taking the overall total of League Championships the club has won to 22. Victory also avenged the Warriors exit from the [[2018 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] at the hands of the [[Warrington Wolves|Wolves]] back in June.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bower |first=Aaron |date=2018-06-02 |title=Tyrone Roberts drives Warrington past Wigan into Challenge Cup semi-finals |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jun/02/warrington-wigan-challenge-cup-match-report |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>
In August 2018 it was announced that [[Shaun Wane]] would leave his position as Head Coach at the end of the [[Super League XXIII|2018]] season. Wane would be replaced by former Wigan half back [[Adrian Lam]] for the [[Super League XXIV|2019]] season, whilst club legend [[Shaun Edwards]] would return from [[Rugby Union]] to lead the side from 2020 onwards.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-08-08 |title=Shaun Edwards and Adrian Lam: Wigan Warriors confirm successors to Shaun Wane |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/45117154 |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Victory in the [[2018 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] turned out to be Wane's last act as Head Coach - he left the role having won three [[Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]]s, a [[Challenge Cup]], a [[League Leaders Shield]], and a [[World Club Challenge]], making him the most successful Wigan coach of the summer era. He is credited with maintaining the club's status as a [[Rugby League]] powerhouse with an emphasis on homegrown talent.
As a result of victory in the Grand Final, one of [[Adrian Lam|Lam]]'s first games as Head Coach would be the [[2019 World Club Challenge|World Club Challenge]] where the Warriors again faced [[Sydney Roosters]]. Unfortunately Wigan were unable to avenge the 2014 defeat and went down 8-20 in front of 21,331 at the [[DW Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Betfred World Club Challenge 2019 - Wigan Warriors 8 lost to Sydney Roosters 20 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-club-challenge-2019/game-1/wigan-warriors-vs-sydney-roosters.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
In April 2019 it was announced that [[Shaun Edwards]] would not be taking up his role as Head Coach from 2020 onwards. Lam's contract was later extended to [[2020 Super League season|2020]] and [[2021 Super League season|2021]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-08 |title=Adrian Lam given Wigan deal for 2020 |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/adrian-lam-given-wigan-deal-for-2020 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Love Rugby League |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Adrian Lam agrees Wigan Warriors contract extension for 2021 season |work=Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12215/12149323/adrian-lam-agrees-wigan-warriors-contract-extension-for-2021-season |access-date=2025-01-24}}</ref> In May 2019, Wigan travelled to [[Barcelona]] to face [[Catalans Dragons]] at the iconic [[Nou Camp]] but were beaten 33-16.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-05-16 |title=Super League: Catalans Dragons beat Wigan Warriors 33-16 in Barcelona |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/48268530 |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Despite a poor start to 2019, Wigan finished the [[Super League XXIV|regular season]] in second place, but suffered a shock defeat in the play-offs against [[Salford Red Devils]], losing 4-28 at the [[DW Stadium]] to miss out on the [[2019 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]].
[[File:Bibby.jpg|thumb|Wigan's 2020 signing [[Jake Bibby]] celebrating winning that season's [[League Leaders' Shield]]]]
The [[2020 Super League season]] was interrupted by the [[COVID-19]] pandemic and a points-percentage system was implemented to account for the varying number of matches each team played.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Super League table to be decided by points percentage |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/super-league-table-to-be-decided-by-points-percentage |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Love Rugby League |language=en}}</ref> The Warriors claimed the [[League Leaders Shield]] and reached the [[2020 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] which was played at the [[KCOM Stadium]] in Hull. The final turned out to be one of the most dramatic in history - with scores tied at 4-4 and with ten seconds remaining, [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] player [[Jack Welsby]] touched down to win the game 4-8.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/55072997/|title=Super League Grand Final: Wigan 4-8 St Helens|work=BBC Sport }}</ref>
The match was club legend [[Sean O'Loughlin]]'s last appearance for Wigan who retired aged 38. O'Loughlin was replaced as skipper for the 2021 season by [[Thomas Leuluai]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Adrian |date=2021-03-19 |title=Leuluai named Club captain |url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2021/03/19/leuluai-named-club-captain-for-2021/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Wigan Warriors |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In the [[2021 Super League season]], Wigan endured a difficult campaign finishing in 4th place on the table. After winning their first five games of the campaign, the Warriors were knocked out of the [[2021 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] by [[Hull FC]]. Throughout the season, Wigan's attack struggled to spark and the club suffered a defeat at home to [[St Helens RFC|St Helens]] in which they did not score a try.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-20 |title=Super League: Wigan Warriors 2-26 St Helens - Saints coast to highly charged derby win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58287751 |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Five days later the club were defeated 0-14 at home by [[Leeds Rhinos]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super League: Leeds Rhinos boost play-off hopes with 14-0 win away to Wigan Warriors |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/wigan-vs-leeds/55676 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}</ref> - the first time the Warriors had been nilled at home in the Super League era. In August 2021 it was announced that [[Adrian Lam]] would leave his position as Head Coach at the end of the season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-31 |title=Adrian Lam: Wigan Warriors head coach to leave at end of season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58400279 |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Lam's final game was the elimination play-off match against [[Leeds Rhinos]], in which the Warriors were again held scoreless at home, losing 0-8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super League play-offs 2021: Leeds Rhinos edge out Wigan Warriors 8-0 to book semis spot |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/wigan-vs-leeds/55800 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}</ref>
Supporters are divided on Lam's tenure as Wigan coach. His detractors argue that he failed to deliver on his promise to play 'flamboyant' rugby<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lam promises 'flamboyant' rugby at Wigan |url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/11559530/lam-will-bring-back-flamboyant-rugby/more/7 |access-date=2025-01-24}}</ref> and that he had a poor record in important games. However, his defenders comment that he was hamstrung by the fall-out from the [[COVID-19]] pandemic and from the confusion over whether [[Shaun Edwards]] would take up his role in 2020. It is also pointed out that Wigan were the only team to participate in 25 games in 2021, including many that took place midweek.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/rugby-league/super-league/2021/standings.shtml|title=Super League Standings 2021|website=Eurosport.com|access-date=2025-02-05}}</ref>
On 5 October 2021, [[Matt Peet]] was named as Wigan Head Coach with [[Shaun Wane]] returning in a director role. [[Sean O'Loughlin]] and [[Lee Briers]] also joined the coaching staff.
Peet oversaw an immediate improvement in the club's form and reached the [[2022 Challenge Cup Final|Challenge Cup Final]], held at the [[Tottenham Hotspur Stadium]]. In a tight game, a late try from Warriors winger [[Liam Marshall]] claimed a 16-14 victory and a 20th [[Challenge Cup]] for Wigan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/61594770.amp/|title=Challenge Cup final: Huddersfield Giants 14-16 Wigan Warriors|website=Bbc.co.uk|date=26 May 2022 }}</ref> On 15 July 2022, Wigan's [[Bevan French]] broke the individual record for tries in a Super League game, touching down seven times in a 60-0 win at home to [[Hull FC]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Betfred Super League - Round 19 - Wigan Warriors 60 def. Hull FC 0 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxvii-2022/round-19/wigan-warriors-vs-hull-fc/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most tries in a rugby Super League match (individual) |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/83011-most-tries-in-a-super-league-match|website=Guinnessworldrecords.com|access-date=2025-01-24}}</ref> Wigan finished the 2022 Super League season in second place on the table and were favourites to reach the [[2022 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]]. However, the club suffered a shock 8-20 loss to [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]] in the semi-final which denied them a place in the decider.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-league/wigan-warriors-eliminated-from-super-league-play-offs-following-semi-final-defeat-to-leeds-rhinos-3846790/|title=Wigan Warriors eliminated from Super League play-offs following semi-final defeat to Leeds Rhinos|website=Wigantoday.net|date=16 September 2022 }}</ref>
Wigan captain [[Thomas Leuluai]] retired at the end of the season<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-08-31 |title=Leuluai to retire at end of 2022 |url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/08/31/leuluai-to-retire-at-end-of-2022/#:~:text=Wigan%20Warriors%20announce%20that%20Club,the%20conclusion%20of%20this%20campaign |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Wigan Warriors |language=en-GB}}</ref> and was replaced as skipper by second-row forward [[Liam Farrell]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-12-20 |title=Farrell named Club Captain |url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/12/20/farrell-named-club-captain/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Wigan Warriors |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In 2023 Wigan were unable to retain the [[2023 Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] losing in the semi-finals to [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] in golden-point extra time. However, following this defeat Wigan did not lose another game all season, in a 10-game winning streak<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super League XXVIII 2023 |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxviii-2023/wigan/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24}}</ref> that included a 0-50 hammering of [[Leeds Rhinos]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Betfred Super League - Round 25 - Leeds Rhinos 0 lost to Wigan Warriors 50 - RLP |url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xxviii-2023/round-25/leeds-rhinos-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref> Wigan claimed the [[League Leaders Shield]] and exacted revenge on [[Hull Kingston Rovers|Hull KR]] in the play-off semi finals, defeating the Robins 42-12<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super League: Liam Marshall stars as Wigan Warriors beat Hull KR 42-12 to seal place in Grand Final |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/wigan-vs-hull-k-r/58418 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}</ref> to set up a [[2023 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] with [[Catalans Dragons]]. In the Grand Final, the Warriors overcame the Dragons 10-2 to claim a sixth Super League title and a 23rd championship in total.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-14 |title=Super League Grand Final: Wigan Warriors 10-2 Catalans Dragons - Cherry and Whites seal sixth title |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/67075882 |access-date=2024-10-17 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Bevan French was named [[Steve Prescott Man of Steel]] for 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/67070647|title=Bevan French: Wigan Warriors stand-off wins 2023 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award|date=10 October 2023|accessdate=24 January 2025|website=Bbc.co.uk}}</ref>
On 15 July 2023, it was announced that Warriors chairman [[Ian Lenagan]] would step down as Chairman and Shareholder on 30 November 2023, with his shares being sold to Mike Danson. Chris Brookes would replace Lenagan as Chairman.
Lenagan's stewardship of the club is perceived by supporters as having restored the Warriors to their rightful place as one of the country's elite [[rugby league]] clubs. During his sixteen years at the club, Wigan won 6 [[Super League]] titles, 3 [[Challenge Cup]]s, 4 [[League Leaders Shield]]s, and a [[World Club Challenge]].
The [[2024 Super League season|2024 season]] proved even more successful for the Wigan club and on 24 February 2024, the Warriors defeated Australian premiers [[Penrith Panthers]] in the [[2024 World Club Challenge|World Club Challenge]] to claim a record-extending fifth title. Following victories over [[Sheffield Eagles]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge Cup (Sky Sports) |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/wigan-vs-sheffield/60594 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=SkySports |language=en}}</ref> [[Castleford Tigers]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Challenge Cup (Sky Sports) |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/castleford-vs-wigan/60616 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=SkySports |language=en}}</ref> and [[Hull Kingston Rovers]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-18 |title=Challenge Cup - Hull KR 6-38 Wigan: Warriors reach Wembley after semi-final win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c6pypkgn592o |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> the Warriors reached the [[2024 Challenge Cup Final|Challenge Cup Final]] where they defeated [[Warrington Wolves]] 18-8 at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-08 |title=Challenge Cup final: Wigan beat Warrington at Wembley again |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c2jj1x7m71zo |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> to take their cup tally to 21. Final success meant that Wigan held all four major trophies simultaneously - the first time this had occurred since 2007. Later in 2024, Wigan retained the [[League Leaders Shield]], topping the table in back-to-back seasons for the first time in the summer era. Following a 38-0 semi-final victory against [[Leigh Leopards]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super League (Sky Sports) |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/wigan-vs-leigh/60796 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=SkySports |language=en}}</ref> Wigan reached the [[2024 Super League Grand Final|Grand Final]] where they defeated [[Hull Kingston Rovers]] 9-2 in a low-scoring affair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12204/13231902/super-league-grand-final-2024-wigan-warriors-beat-hull-kr-9-2-to-be-crowned-back-to-back-champions#:~:text=Wigan%20Warriors%20were%20crowned%20back,to%20go%206%2D0%20up|title=Super League Grand Final 2024: Wigan Warriors beat Hull KR 9-2 to be crowned back-to-back champions|website=Skysports.com|access-date=5 February 2025}}</ref> Wigan's [[Bevan French]] scored the only try of the game and was awarded the inaugural [[Rob Burrow Award]] as player of the match - this was following the renaming of the award from the [[Harry Sunderland Trophy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/video/12780/13232670/grand-final-geoff-burrow-presents-first-rob-burrow-award-to-potm-bevan-french|title=Grand Final: Geoff Burrow presents first Rob Burrow Award to POTM Bevan French | Rugby League News | Sky Sports|work=Sky Sports |accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
Victory marked the Warriors winning back-to-back Grand Finals for the first time, whilst also completing a ‘Quadruple’ or 'Grand Slam', claiming the [[World Club Challenge]], the [[League Leaders Shield]], the [[Challenge Cup]], and the [[Super League Grand Final]] in a calendar year - the first time such a feat had been achieved in the summer era and Wigan’s first Quadruple since 1994.
The win secured Wigan's qualification for the 2025 [[World Club Challenge]] against [[National Rugby League|NRL]] premiers [[Penrith Panthers]] in a rematch of the [[2024 World Club Challenge|2024]] fixture. However, owing to each side's pre-arranged fixture commitments, speculation remains over the status of the fixture.
<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-12 |title=Wigan Warriors coach delivers major update on 2025 World Club Challenge after Super League Grand Final triumph |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/wigan-warriors-coach-delivers-major-update-on-2025-world-club-challenge-after-super-league-grand-final-triumph |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Love Rugby League |language=en}}</ref> In an October [[Instagram]] post, Panthers halfback [[Nathan Cleary]] expressed a desire for the fixture to take place at the NRL's [[Magic Round (NRL)|Magic Round]].<ref>[[National Rugby League|NRL]] premiers [[Penrith Panthers]] in a rematch of the [[2024 World Club Challenge|2024]] fixture.</ref> Warriors CEO [[Kris Radlinski]] also stated that he would seek to play the fixture "at any costs",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/at-all-costs-wigan-warriors-ceo-on-plans-to-save-world-club-challenge-98128/|title='At all costs' - Wigan Warriors CEO on plans to save World Club Challenge|first=Sam|last=Cook|date=14 October 2024|website=Serious About Rugby League|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> but the release of the 2025 [[Super League]] fixtures in November 2024 indicated that the fixture would not be taking place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/11/21/2025-fixtures-for-wigan-warriors/|title=2025 Fixtures for Wigan Warriors|first=Charlotte|last=Fletcher|date=21 November 2024|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
Wigan started the 2025 Super League season with a 0-1 defeat in golden point extra time to [[Leigh Leopards]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c2k5w971j35o | title=Leigh beat Wigan in extra time after historic 0-0 draw | website=www.bbc.co.uk | author=Phil Cartwright | date=2025-02-13}}</ref> but recovered to defeat [[Warrington Wolves]] in a stellar performance at [[Allegiant Stadium]], Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/live/clyn9w44d20t | title=Super League: Wigan Warriors earn impressive win over Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas - as it happened }}</ref> The Warriors' defence of the [[Challenge Cup]] was ended by a shock 22-26 defeat at home to [[Hull FC]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c5y4kreyg1ro | title=Challenge Cup: Hull FC, Warrington and Catalans through to last eight | date=15 March 2025 }}</ref>
In the [[Super League]] era, Wigan have won 7 [[Super League]] titles, 5 [[Challenge Cup]]s, 2 [[World Club Challenge]]s, and 5 [[League Leaders Shield]]s. The majority of this success came between 2010 and 2023, during the 'Lenagan years'.
==Name==
The club started out life as Wigan Football Club ''(stylised as Wigan FC)'' in 1872. When the club was re-formed in 1879, the club's name was Wigan Wasps Football Club. "Wasps" was dropped from the club's name in 1881 and the club's name was again Wigan Football Club (stylised as Wigan FC). As Northern Union evolved into Rugby League, Wigan would officially become '''Wigan Rugby League Football Club''' ''(stylised as Wigan RLFC)'' or officially written as '''Wigan Rugby League''' ''(stylised as Wigan RL)'' this being a shorter written version of the former rather than a name change. The club added '''Warriors''' to its name in 1997. The club was and still is commonly referred to simply as '''Wigan'''.
==Colours==
The colours cherry and white are the most synonymous with the club. The home kits have mostly consisted of the colours cherry and white since 1888 in different variations, usually hoops, but not always. The Wigan team first played in cherry and white jerseys on 19 September 1885 in a match against Bury. The club did not settle on the colours until 22 December 1888 when after this time there is no mention of Wigan deviating from these colours as the primary colours. It is known that the team did wear a variety of different-coloured jerseys at different times before 19 September 1885 and in-between that date and 22 December 1888. These included; blue and white hooped jerseys, black jerseys with white shorts and black socks, white jerseys, white-and-coral hooped jerseys and a chocolate-and-coral hooped jersey with black socks. The white Maltese cross was added to the club's jerseys for the start of the 1884–85 season but how long this remained as a feature on the jersey is unknown. The white jerseys were worn on several occasions during the 1885 season and were also worn at least once during 1887. The chocolate-and-coral hooped jerseys were worn during the 1886–1887 season with black socks, however, the colour of the shorts which were worn is unknown. It is also unknown how many times Wigan turned out in the chocolate-and-coral jersey that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dwstadium.com/the-teams|title=Homepage|date=26 July 2014|website=DW Stadium|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726010410/http://www.dwstadium.com/the-teams|archive-date=26 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ancientandloyal.com/1879-1895/cherrywhite | website=Ancientandloyal.com | title=Cherry & White}}</ref>
With some brief interludes, the club spent the majority of the 20th century wearing regular cherry and white hooped jerseys with white shorts.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/history/kit-archive/|title=Kit Archive|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
From the late 1980s onwards shirt designs became more varied, but remained largely variations on cherry and white hoops. However, the club started to experiment with wearing red shorts as opposed to white.<ref name="auto"/>
From roughly 2015-onwards, the version of 'cherry' red featured on Warriors home shirts has been a much darker shade of red.<ref name="auto"/> From the late 1980s to the late 1990s, Wigan's away kit was usually royal blue and white hoops, with the template often being the exact same as the home kit, but in alternative colours.<ref name="auto"/> In the 21st century, royal blue and white away jerseys have made brief returns, notably in 2005 and 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newrugbykits.com/2015/12/new-wigan-warriors-kit-2016-188bet-wigan-rl-shirts-2016-errea-home-away-third/|title=New Wigan Warriors Kit 2016- 188Bet Wigan RL Shirts 2016 Errea – Home Away Third|first=New Rugby|last=Kits|date=4 December 2015|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
From 2022-onwards,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/02/03/warriors-launch-charity-third-kit/|title=Warriors launch charity third kit|date=3 February 2022|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/02/03/2023-charity-alternate-kit-launched/|title=2023 Charity alternate kit launched|first=Charlotte|last=Fletcher|date=3 February 2023|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/01/18/wigan-launch-charity-third-kit/|title=Wigan launch Charity Third Kit|first=Charlotte|last=Fletcher|date=18 January 2024|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> Wigan's third kit was a design inspired by their charity partners and a percentage of proceeds from sales would be donated to the respective charity.
Wigan released their kits for 2025 in November 2024. The home shirt features the traditional cherry and white hoops complete with black and gold trim whilst the shorts and stockings are both cherry red.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/11/01/warriors-launch-2025-home-kit/|title=Warriors Launch 2025 Home Kit|first=Charlotte|last=Fletcher|date=1 November 2024|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> The away kit is all navy blue with 'electric blue' flashes across the front.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/11/13/warriors-reveal-2025-away-kit/|title=Warriors reveal 2025 away kit|first=Tom|last=Anderson|date=13 November 2024|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> The Warriors revealed their charity third kit on 23 November 2024 - an all-lilac kit in partnership with Wigan & Leigh Hospice, a local charity that helped Warriors winger [[Liam Marshall]]'s mother Debbie, who died in February 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/11/23/wigan-launch-charity-third-kit-2/|title=Wigan launch Charity Third Kit|first=Charlotte|last=Fletcher|date=23 November 2024|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-league/wigan-warriors-ceo-and-captain-pay-emotional-tributes-as-club-launch-touching-charity-third-kit-4881026|title=Wigan Warriors CEO and captain pay emotional tributes as club launch touching charity third kit|date=25 November 2024|website=Wigan Today|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
==Club crest==
Wigan have used a variation of the [[coat of arms]] (which was granted to the Borough of Wigan on 8 April 1922) as the club crest for a large part of the club's history. The club first used the crest on the playing jerseys for the 1948 Challenge Cup Final against Bradford. The crest appeared on the jersey in other future cup finals but would not become a permanent feature on the playing jerseys until 1984.
[[File:Wigancrest1922.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Wigan have used a variation of this coat of arms as the club crest for a large part of the club's history.]]
Below are further details on the Club Crest:
Excerpts from an Article, by Mr. Arthur J. Hawkes, Chief Librarian.
Possessing a series of town seals from the twelfth century onwards, Wigan, at the opening of the twentieth century still remained without "ensigns proper to its order."
Wigan is one of the oldest boroughs in England (third oldest in Lancashire after Liverpool and Salford). Town liberties or borough rights existed in England in Anglo-Saxon times, several centuries before the [[Norman Conquest]]. Places like London, York, Winchester, Norwich, etc., are known from records to have exercised these privileges, and it may properly be inferred that Wigan also enjoyed them. Finally, we have the report of the [[Norroy and Ulster King of Arms|Norry King of Arms]] in 1613 that "the towne and bourrough of Wiggin was antiently Incorporated by the most noble Kinge, Kinge Hen, the first in the first yeare of his raygne" (i.e., 1100)—a certified copy of which document is now in the Public Library. Under [[William the Conqueror]], the borough privileges were restricted, but on the accession of [[Henry I of England|Henry I]] they were largely restored by virtue of his great coronation charter of liberties. The liberties of individual towns were restored or confirmed by special charter, some of which are extant. If we can rely upon the report of the Herald in 1613, Wigan was one of the first boroughs to be so restored. Following this we have a long series of royal charters, mostly still extant, some containing special marks of royal favour, which charters will be detailed in the next number.
[[File:Wigan Warriors Logo.png|thumb|right|150px|This version of the club crest was used between 2006 and 2017.]]
J. Paul Rylands describes the coat above as "perhaps the very best of all Lancashire town arms, for it might, heraldically, belong to the Middle Ages, and is indeed symbolic of antiquity and loyalty." It is certainly a very privileged coat of arms, as few if any coats bear so many symbols of royal favour. Indeed, the incorporation of royal insignia into armorial bearings is jealously guarded and usually proscribed by the court officials. In Wigan's new grant there are (1) A king's Head, crowned, (2) the Royal "Leopard" (or "[[Lion (heraldry)|lion]] [[couchant]] guardant"), (3) a mediaeval royal crown, and (4) the supporting lions. The king's head in the crest officially represents no particular king, in the words of the Rouge Croix herald (in whose hands the design took shape) it is intended "to be a conventional likeness to an early English Monarch." It is actually modelled on the portrait of King [[Edward III]], but from the point of view of the town it symbolises especially King Henry I. On Wigan's earliest town seal—probably the 12th century—there appears to be a towered or castellated gateway over the centre of which is depicted what seems to be the crowned head of Henry I. These devices therefore, are taken as the chief symbols of the new bearings, the towered gateway becomes a Norman castle and the king's head becomes a crest—indicating Wigan as a town of consequence and royal patronage at the opening of the twelfth century. The royal lion, again, marks another important period in Wigan history. Edward III, by a charter of 1350, granted Wigan the right (with several other towns) to use a royal seal known as the "King's Recognisance Seal," on which was figured the king's head and the royal lion. The [[Somerset Herald]] expressed the opinion that as none of the other towns had made use of the king's permission by adopting the figures in their arms, Wigan could with propriety include them, and his view prevailed with the Chapter of Heralds.
Supporters are nowadays usually granted only to the great cities, but Wigan's ancient importance has been thereby recognised, the lions giving the distinction to a highly dignified and privileged coat of arms. There is a final feature of unusual interest. The branches of the mountain ash held in the lion's paws add something to the conventional "mantling" or flowered scrolls which usually ornament armorial bearings. The design of the floriation is usually a matter for the artist and without heraldic significance. But in the case of Wigan's arms, the mountain ash, known in the northern dialects as the Wiggin or Wigan Tree, forms a "rebus" or pun on the name of the town, and has the advantage of giving further symbolism to an already significant coat. The rebus has tradition behind it, for the Wiggin Tree is a conspicuous feature of several of the town's mediaeval seals.
The motto adopted "Ancient and Loyal" is in keeping with the arms. For a great many years Wigan has on all occasions, official and unofficial, invariably referred to itself as the "Ancient and Loyal Borough," but few are aware that authority for its use can be found in the charter of [[Charles II of England|Charles II]], the governing charter of the town until the [[Municipal Corporations Act 1835]]. In that charter Wigan is designated by the king "an ancient borough" and granted a "special token of our favour for its loyalty to us," so that nothing could be more fitting than its adoption as the town's motto.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wiganworld.co.uk/stuff/ancientloyal2.php?p=|title=❤ wiganworld - Wigan, Ancient and Loyal|website=Wiganworld.co.uk|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Wigan_Warriors_Logo,_November_2020.svg|thumb|right|150px|Wigan Warriors Club Crest used from 1 November 2020]]
On 1 November 2020, the club changed its crest to a new design. The club drew inspiration for the Warrior design element of the badge from the [[Brigantes]] who were Celtic Britons and controlled a large part of Northern England, including Wigan, in pre-Roman times. The name Brigantes became synonymous with the most fervent elements of the club's support base dating back to the early 2010s.
The shield element of the new logo is taken from the original club crest as is the Ancient & Loyal motto with the circular shape of the badge emulating the shape of the [[Northern soul]] logo. Wigan had a vibrant Northern soul scene back in the 1960s when the Northern soul music and dance movement first emerged. The background features the club's famous Cherry and White hoops which was incorporated into the club crest for the first time. The date of the club's foundation is also included on the club badge for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2020/11/01/the-new-badge-in-focus/|title=The New Badge: In focus|website=Wiganwarriors.com|date=1 November 2020}}</ref>
==Kit manufacturers and sponsors==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2017}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em"
|-
! Period
! Kit Sponsor
! Shirt Sponsor
|-
|1986–1987
|rowspan=3|[[Umbro]]
|''none''
|-
|1987–1989
|[[JJB Sports|JJB]]
|-
|1989–1990
|rowspan=4|[[Norweb]]
|-
|1990–1994
|Ellgren
|-
|1994–1996
|[[Puma SE|Puma]]
|-
|1997
||[[Bulldog Sports|Bulldog]]
|-
|1998–1999
|[[Nike, Inc.|Nike]]
|Energi
|-
|2000–2002
|[[Adidas]]
|rowspan=4|[[JJB Sports|JJB]]
|-
|2003–2005
|[[Patrick (shoe company)|Patrick]]
|-
|2006–2007
|[[JJB Sports|JJB]]
|-
|2008
|rowspan=3|[[Kooga]]
|-
|2009–2010
|[[Mecca Bingo]]
|-
|2011
|rowspan=2|Applicado FS
|-
|2012–2013
|rowspan=3|[[International Sports Clothing|ISC]]
|-
|2013
|DW Sports
|-
|2014
|Houses for Homes
|-
|2015
| rowspan="3" |[[Erreà]]
|[[Gala Coral Group|Coral]]
|-
|2016–2018
|
|-
|2019
|rowspan=2|Prestone
|-
|2020
|rowspan=3|[[Hummel International|Hummel]]
|-
|2021–2022
|Iqoniq
|-
|2022–2023
|rowspan=1|Open Exchange
|-
|2024-
|rowspan=1|[[Kappa (brand)|Kappa]]
|Greenmount Projects
|}
===Current kit===
The current kit and teamwear as of the 2025 season will be manufacturer by [[Kappa (brand)|Kappa]], following the end of contract with [[Hummel International|Hummel]] who manufactured the kits and teamwear from 2020 until the end of the 2023 season. The main shirt sponsor is Greenmount Projects and their logo appears on the front of the home and away jerseys.
==Teams==
As well as the men's team the club for 2024 also encompasses 11 other teams:<ref>{{cite web |title=Wigan Warriors announce groundbreaking record |url=https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-warriors-announce-groundbreaking-record-46402/ |website=Rugby League News |access-date=4 January 2022 |date=7 December 2021}}</ref>
*Reserves
*Academy (under 18s)
*Scholarship (under 16s)
*College development squad (men and women aged 16–18)
*[[Wigan Warriors Women|Women's first]]
*Women's academy (under 19s)
*Physical disability
*Learning disability
*[[Wigan Warriors Wheelchair|Wheelchair]]
*Wheelchair A (wheelchair reserve team)
*Touch Rugby
==Stadiums==
===Pre–1902===
Wigan Football Club played on Folly Field, Upper Dicconson Street. The club played its first match at Folly Field on 30 November 1872 and remained at the ground for four years. Wigan Football Club went on to become Wigan & District Football Club, the newly named Wigan & District Football Club played its matches at Prescott Street (The West End Grounds). The club played at Prescott Street until the club disbanded. With the re-formation of the club as Wigan Wasps Football Club, the club returned to Folly Field from 1879 to 1886 when it moved its matches back to Prescott Street.
Wigan played their home games at Wigan Cricket Club on Prescott Street until 1901 when they moved to Springfield Park which they shared with the town's association soccer club Wigan United A.F.C. The first rugby match at Springfield Park was played on 14 September 1901 and was between Wigan and Morecambe in front of 4,000 spectators. The record rugby attendance for the ground was 10,000 achieved on 19 March 1902 when Wigan beat Widnes. Forty days later Wigan played their last game at Springfield Park when they defeated the Rest of Lancashire Senior Competition.
===1902–1999: Central Park===
{{Main|Central Park (Wigan)}}
[[File:Central park kop.jpg|thumb|right|Central Park]]
In 1902 Wigan moved to their purpose-built rugby ground called [[Central Park (Wigan)|Central Park]]. Wigan played their first game at Central Park against [[Batley Bulldogs|Batley]] on 6 September 1902, which Wigan won 14–8. The area was originally farm land called Central Field, with a row of houses already built along both north and south ends of the land (Hilton St and Colin St). By the end of the 1990s, the area had begun to suffer from its ___location next to the River Douglas as well as disused coal mines directly underneath, resulting in occasional drainage problems which affected the pitch.
Central Park would be the home of Wigan Rugby League until 1999, when they moved to the newly built [[JJB Stadium]]. The last match at Central Park was against St Helens on 5 September 1999, a game which Wigan won 28–20 in front of 18,179 supporters. As Wigan developed into one of the most famous rugby league clubs in the world, [[Central Park (Wigan)|Central Park]] also became one of the most famous grounds.
Wigan won the [[1987 World Club Challenge]] match against [[1987 NSWRL season|1987]] Sydney ([[New South Wales Rugby League]]) Premiers [[Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles|Manly-Warringah]] at Central Park played on 7 October. The try-less game, won 8–2, was played in front of a reported crowd of 36,895, though many of those in attendance believed the attendance was actually closer to 50,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D2ZSjfjg2E|title=Wigan v Manly - 1987 World Club Challenge|last=Wigan Rugby League Old Matches|date=3 June 2010|access-date=15 April 2019|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926175002/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D2ZSjfjg2E|archive-date=26 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
The record attendance for a game at Central Park was 47,747 set on 27 March 1959 against St Helens.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}}
===1999–present: The Brick Community Stadium===
{{Main|Brick Community Stadium}}
[[File:England v France 2013 RLWC (1).jpg|thumb|right|DW Stadium (Renamed in 2024 to the [[Brick Community Stadium]]) before the 2013 Rugby League World Cup quarter-final between England and France]]
Towards the end of the [[Super League IV|1999 season]] Wigan Warriors moved to the newly built [[JJB Stadium]] (Renamed in 2024 to the [[Brick Community Stadium]]) which they currently share with the Wigan [[Association football|football]] club [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]]. The stadium is owned by Mike Danson, who is the majority shareholder.<ref name="Wigan Warriors Stadium Lease">{{cite news|title=Wigan Warriors Official Website |url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=3375 |publisher=Wigan Warriors Official Website |date=24 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027034302/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=3375 |archive-date=27 October 2007 }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2024}} Warriors' first game at the then JJB Stadium was a Super League play-off match against the [[Castleford Tigers]] which Wigan lost 14–10.
The stadium has had numerous names since being built in 2007 dependant on its sponsorship.
Wigan used to have a state-of-the-art training facility at the small stadium [[Edge Hall Road]] in Orrell (now named the Co-Operative Community Stadium) where the first team, reserve team & academy team prepared, trained and rehabilitated ahead of and after matches. It is also where the Reserve & Academy sides used to play their home games.
Recently this site has been sold for development after the Warriors moved all team operations to the newly renovated Robin Park Arena next door to the [[Brick Community Stadium]] in a deal with [[Wigan Council]].{{citation needed|date=September 2024}} A multi-million-pound regeneration has turned this into one of the best training facilities inside of rugby league, whilst also maintaining world class facilities for other local sporting clubs and the general public to use.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.https/|title=Robin Park Arena|website=Wiganwarriors.com|access-date=19 November 2020|archive-date=19 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819141428/http://https/|url-status=dead}} </ref>{{Peacock inline|date=September 2024}}
[[Brick Community Stadium]] has an official capacity of 25,133.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dwstadium.com/information/facts-figures/|title=Facts & Figures|website=Dwstadium.com|access-date=10 June 2022|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517041303/https://www.dwstadium.com/information/facts-figures/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Warriors' record attendance at the Brick is 25,004 set against St Helens on 25 March 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-x-2005/round-7/wigan-vs-st-helens/summary.html|title=Super League X 2005 - Round 7 - Rugby League Project|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016175256/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-x-2005/round-7/wigan-vs-st-helens/summary.html|archive-date=16 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2021/11/26/wigans-2022-squad-numbers/|title = Wigan's 2022 squad numbers - Wigan Warriors|website=Wiganwarriors.com|date = 26 November 2021}}</ref>
==Training ground==
Wigan’s training ground is the [[Robin Park Arena]], situated next door to the Brick Community Stadium.
==Notable players==
{{main|List of Wigan Warriors players|List of Wigan Warriors internationals}}
==2025 squad==
{{Wigan Warriors current squad}}
==2025 transfers==
<!--- When updating this list, please update "2025 Wigan Warriors season" as well. Thankyou! --->
=== Gains ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Player !! Club !! Contract !! Date
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} George Hirst
| [[Oldham R.L.F.C.|Oldham]]
| 2 years + 1 year
| October 2024<ref>{{cite news |last1=McAllister |first1=Josh |title=Wigan Warriors confirm first signing of 2025 with young gun from Sean Long's Oldham |url=https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-league/wigan-warriors-confirm-first-signing-of-2025-with-young-gun-from-sean-longs-oldham-4817004 |access-date=19 October 2024 |work=Wigan Today |date=9 October 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Christian Wade]]
| [[Gloucester Rugby]]
| Until end of season
| April 2025<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/13350976/christian-wade-wigan-warriors-sign-former-england-winger-for-rest-of-season-after-switch-from-rugby-union | title=Christian Wade: Wigan Warriors sign former England winger for rest of season after switch from rugby union | work=Sky Sports }}</ref>
|}
=== Losses ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Player !! Club !! Contract !! Date
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Michael Cooper (rugby league)|Mike Cooper]]
| colspan="2"{{N/A|Retired}} on medical advice
| September 2024<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/09/27/mike-cooper-to-retire/|title=Mike Cooper to retire|first=Charlotte|last=Fletcher|date=27 September 2024|website=Wigan Warriors|access-date=28 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ryan Hampshire]]
| colspan="2"|Free Agent
| October 2024<ref>{{cite news |title=Hampshire to leave Wigan as Isa extends stay |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cd6qx4dp713o |access-date=19 October 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 October 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} George Hirst
| [[Oldham R.L.F.C.|Oldham]]
| 1 Year Loan
| October 2024<ref>{{cite news |title=Oldham and Wigan agree Hirst deal |url=https://roughyeds.co.uk/news/oldham-and-wigan-agree-hirst-deal/ |access-date=9 October 2024 |work=Oldham |date=9 October 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} Ryan Brown
| [[Leigh Leopards]]
| 2 Years
| October 2024<ref>{{cite news |last1=Darbyshire |first1=Drew |title=Leigh Leopards sign England Academy prop from Wigan Warriors |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/leigh-leopards-sign-england-academy-ryan-brown-from-wigan-warriors |access-date=19 October 2024 |work=Love Rugby League |date=14 October 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} Reagan Sumner
| [[Widnes Vikings]]
| 1 Year
| November 2024<ref>{{cite news |last1=Darbyshire |first1=Drew |title=Wigan Warriors youngster makes permanent Championship transfer move following loan spells |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/wigan-warriors-reagan-sumner-championship-widnes-vikings-move |access-date=3 November 2024 |work=Love Rugby League |date=2 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} Kian McDermott
| Rowspan=2| [[London Broncos]]
|Rowspan=2|5 Week Loan
|Rowspan=2|January 2025
|-
|{{rlicon|ENG}} Lukas Mason
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Willie Isa]]
| colspan="2"{{N/A|Retired}}
| January 2025<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/01/23/willie-isa-to-leave|title=Willie Isa to leave|date=23 January 2025|website=Wigan Warriors}}</ref>
|-
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Tiaki Chan]]
| [[Salford Red Devils]]
| 1 Year Loan
| January 2025<ref>{{cite news |title=Chan joins Salford on loan|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/01/31/chan-joins-salford-on-loan/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |work=Wigan Warriors |date=31 January 2025}}</ref>
|}
==Coaches==
===Current coaching staff===
[[File:Matt Peet Wigan Rugby League Coach Oct 2021.jpg|thumb|300px|Matt Peet is the current head coach of the Wigan Warriors.]]
Matt Peet is the current head coach, with former Wigan players [[Sean O'Loughlin]], and [[Tommy Leuluai]] as his assistant coaches.
===Coaching history===
{| border="1" style="width:80%; border-collapse:collapse; border-color:#e0e0e0;"
|- style="background:#c33; color:white"
!width=1%|
!width=3%|Name
!width=1%|Contract started
!width=1%|Contract ended
!width=6%|Reason for leaving
!width=6%|Honours*
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Matt Peet]]
|align=center|October 2021
|align=center|
|align=center|
|align=center| 2 [[Super League|Championship]]s, 2 [[Challenge Cup]]s, 2 [[League Leaders Shield]], 1 [[World Club Challenge]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|PNG}}
|[[Adrian Lam]]
|align=center|October 2018
|align=center|October 2021
|align=center|Left at end of contract
|align=center| 1 [[League Leaders Shield]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Shaun Wane]]
|align=center|October 2011
|align=center|October 2018
|align=center|Signed by [[Scotland national rugby union team]] (as High Performance Coach)
|align=center|3 [[Super League Grand Final|Championships]], 1 [[Challenge Cup]], 1 [[World Club Challenge]], 1 [[League Leaders Shield]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}}
|[[Michael Maguire (rugby league)|Michael Maguire]]
|align=center|October 2009
|align=center|October 2011
|align=center|Signed by [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]] (as Head Coach)
|align=center|1 [[Super League|Championship]], 1 [[Challenge Cup]], 1 [[League Leaders Shield]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Brian Noble (rugby league)|Brian Noble]]
|align=center|April 2006
|align=center|October 2009
|align=center|Contract not renewed
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}}
|[[Ian Millward]]
|align=center|May 2005
|align=center|April 2006
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Denis Betts]]
|align=center|May 2004
|align=center|May 2005
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Mike Gregory]]
|align=center|July 2003
|align=center|May 2004
|align=center|Sick leave
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}}
|[[Stuart Raper]]
|align=center|May 2001
|align=center|July 2003
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|1 [[Challenge Cup]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}}
|[[Frank Endacott]]
|align=center|December 1999
|align=center|May 2001
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Andy Goodway]]
|align=center|June 1999
|align=center|December 1999
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}}
|[[John Monie]]
|align=center|November 1997
|align=center|June 1999
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|1 [[Rugby Football League Championship First Division|Championship]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Eric Hughes (rugby, born 1950)|Eric Hughes]]
|align=center|February 1997
|align=center|November 1997
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}}
|[[Graeme West]]
|align=center|May 1994
|align=center|February 1997
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|2 [[Rugby Football League Championship First Division|Championship]]s, 1 [[Challenge Cup]], 1 [[World Club Challenge]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}}
|[[John Dorahy]]
|align=center|June 1993
|align=center|May 1994
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|1 [[Rugby Football League Championship First Division|Championship]], 1 [[Challenge Cup]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|AUS}}
|[[John Monie]]
|align=center|September 1989
|align=center|May 1993
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|4 [[Rugby Football League Championship First Division|Championship]]s, 4 [[Challenge Cup]]s, 1 [[World Club Challenge]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|NZL}}
|[[Graham Lowe]]
|align=center|August 1986
|align=center|June 1989
|align=center|Signed by [[Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles]] (as Head Coach)
|align=center|1 [[Rugby Football League Championship First Division|Championship]], 2 [[Challenge Cup]]s, 1 [[World Club Challenge]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Colin Clarke (rugby league)|Colin Clarke]] / Alan McInnes
|align=center|August 1984
|align=center|May 1986
|align=center|Left – mutual consent
|align=center|1 [[Challenge Cup]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Alex Murphy (rugby league)|Alex Murphy]]
|align=center|June 1982
|align=center|August 1984
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Maurice Bamford]]
|align=center|May 1981
|align=center|May 1982
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|SCO}}
|[[George Fairbairn (rugby league)|George Fairbairn]]
|align=center|April 1980
|align=center|May 1981
|align=center|Sold
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|WAL}}
|[[Kel Coslett]]
|align=center|
|align=center|
|align=center|Left - wanted to coach [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]]
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Vince Karalius]]
|align=center|September 1976
|align=center|September 1979
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|Joe Coan
|align=center|January 1975
|align=center|September 1976
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Ted Toohey]]
|align=center|May 1974
|align=center|January 1975
|align=center|Caretaker
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|
|Graham Starkey
|align=center|June 1973
|align=center|May 1974
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Eric Ashton]]
|align=center|September 1963
|align=center|May 1973
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|1 [[Challenge Cup]]
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|
|Griff Jenkins
|align=center|October 1961
|align=center|September 1963
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|
|[[John Lawrenson|John "Johnny" Lawrenson]]
|align=center|September 1961
|align=center|October 1961
|align=center|Caretaker
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|WAL}}
|[[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]]
|align=center|July 1961
|align=center|September 1961
|align=center|Ill-Health
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|[[Joe Egan (rugby league)|Joe Egan]]
|align=center|August 1956
|align=center|May 1961
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center| 1 [[Rugby Football League Championship First Division|Championship]], 2 [[Challenge Cup]]s
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|
|[[Ted Ward|Edward "Ted" Ward]]
|align=center|August 1953
|align=center|End of 1956
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|
|Maurice Hughes
|align=center|August 1952
|align=center|End of 1953
|align=center|Sacked
|align=center|
|- style="background:#fff;"
|align=center|{{flagicon|WAL}}
|[[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]]
|align=center|October 1932
|align=center|End of 1952
|align=center|Resigned
|align=center|5 [[Rugby Football League Championship First Division|Championship]]s, 2 [[Challenge Cup]]s
|}
Note *only Championship/Super League, Super League League Leaders Shield, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge honours shown.
==Seasons==
{{main|List of Wigan Warriors seasons}}
==Honours==
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2017}}
===League===
*[[List of British rugby league champions|First Division / Super League]]:
::'''Winners (24)''': 1908–09, 1921–22, 1925–26, 1933–34, 1945–46, 1946–47, 1949–50, 1951–52, [[1959–60 Northern Rugby Football League season|1959–60]], 1986–87, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1998, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024
::'''Runners up (17)''': 1909–10, 1910–11, 1911–12, 1912–13, 1923–24, 1963–64, 1970–71, 1974–75, 1985–86, 1988–89, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2014, 2015, 2020
:*[[League Leaders' Shield]]:{{efn|For most of RFL history a play-off system has been used to determine the league champions, with the league leaders' shield only becoming a separate honour in the Super League era. Wigan have achieved 1st in the league place 24 times: 1908–09, 1910–11, 1923–24, 1925–26, 1945–46, 1946–47, 1947–48, 1949–50, 1961–62, 1970–71, 1986–87, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1998, 2000, 2010, 2012, 2020, 2023{{efn|This does not include a further two 1st place finishes in the wartime emergency leagues}}}}
:::'''Winners (5)''': 2010, 2012, 2020, 2023, 2024
:*League Leader's Trophy:
:::'''Winners (1)''': 1970-71
:*[[Rugby League Premiership|Premiership]]
:::'''Winners (6)''': 1986–87, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1996, 1997.
:::'''Runners-Up (1)''': 1992–93
:*War Emergency League
:::'''Winners (1)''': 1943–44.
*[[Rugby Football League Championship Second Division|Second Division / Championship]]:
::'''Runners up (1)''': 1980-81
*[[Rugby league county leagues|Lancashire League]]
::'''Winners (18)''': 1901–02, 1908–09, 1910–11, 1911–12, 1912–13, 1913–14, 1914–15, 1920–21, 1922–23, 1923–24, 1925–26, 1945–46, 1946–47, 1949–50, 1951–52, 1958–59, 1961–62, 1969–70.
:*Lancashire War League
:::'''Winners (1)''': 1940–41.
===Domestic Cup(s)===
*[[Challenge Cup]]
::'''Winners (21)''': 1923–24, 1928–29, 1947–48, 1950–51, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1964–65, [[1984–85 Rugby Football League season#Challenge Cup|1984–85]], 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 2002, 2011, 2013, 2022, 2024
::'''Runners-Up (12)''': 1910–11, 1919–20, 1943–44, 1945–46, 1960–61, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1983–84, 1998, 2004, 2017.
*[[RFL Lancashire Cup|Lancashire Cup]]
::'''Winners (21)''': 1905–06, 1908–09, 1909–10, 1912–13, 1922–23, 1928–29, 1938–39, 1946–47, 1947–48, 1948–49, 1949–50, 1950–51, 1951–52, 1966–67, 1971–72, 1973–74, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1992–93.
::'''Runners-Up (14)''': 1913–14, 1914–15, 1925–26, 1927–28, 1930–31, 1934–35, 1935–36, 1936–37, 1945–46, 1953–54, 1957–58, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1984–85.
*[[League Cup (rugby league)|League Cup]]
::'''Winners (8)''': 1982–83, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1992–93, 1994–95, 1995–96.
::'''Runners-Up (1)''': 1993–94.
*[[Rugby League Charity Shield (Great Britain)|Charity Shield]]
::'''Winners (4)''': 1985–86, 1987–88, 1991–92, 1995–96.
::'''Runners-Up (4)''': 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1992–93.
*[[BBC2 Floodlit Trophy]]
::'''Winners (1)''': 1968–69.
::'''Runners-Up (1)''': 1969–70.
*[[Warrington Wolves-Wigan Warriors rivalry|Locker Cup]] ''previously Wardonia Cup''
::'''Winners (35)''': 1945, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 ''(Won on 10 occasions between 1979 and 1994)''.
::'''Runners-Up (21)''': 1938, 1948, 1950, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978, 2019. ''(Runners-Up on 6 occasions between 1979 and 1994)''.
===International Cup(s)===
*[[World Club Challenge]]
::'''Winners (5)''': [[1987 World Club Challenge|1987]], [[1991 World Club Challenge|1991]], [[1994 World Club Challenge|1994]], [[2017 World Club Challenge|2017]], [[2024 World Club Challenge|2024]].
::'''Runners-Up (4)''': [[1992 World Club Challenge|1992]], [[2011 World Club Challenge|2011]], [[2014 World Club Challenge|2014]], [[2019 World Club Challenge|2019]].
*Kenny-Sterling Shield
::'''Winners (1)''': 2018.
===Short Form Cups===
*[[Rugby League World Sevens|World 7s]]
::'''Winners (1)''': 1991–92.
*[[Middlesex 7s]]
::'''Winners (1)''': 1996
*[[Carnegie Floodlit 9s]]
::'''Winners (1)''': 2010.
===Pre-Northern Union===
*Wigan Charity Cup
::'''Winners (6)''': 1883, 1885, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891
::'''Runners-Up (1)''': 1886
* West Lancashire and Border Towns Cup
::'''Winners (2)''': 1889, 1890
::'''Runners-Up (1)''': 1887
===Team===
* [[BBC Sports Team of the Year Award]]: 1994, 2024
==Club records==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2017}}
===Individual===
*Most goals in a match: 22 by [[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]] vs Flimby & Fothergill, 14 February 1925
*Most tries in a match: 10 by:
**[[Martin Offiah]] vs [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]], 10 May 1992
**[[Shaun Edwards]] vs [[Swinton Lions|Swinton]], 29 September 1992
*Most points in a match: 44 by [[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]] vs Flimby & Fothergill, 14 February 1925
*Most goals in a season: 186 by [[Frano Botica]], 1994–95
*Most tries in a season: 63 by [[Ellery Hanley]], 1986–87
*Most tries in a [[Super League]] regular season: 31 by [[Josh Charnley]] and [[Bevan French]], 2012 and 2022
*Most points in a season: 462 by [[Pat Richards]] 2010
*Most career goals: 2,317 by [[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]]
*Most career tries: 478 by [[Billy Boston]]
*Most career points: 4,883 by [[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]]
*Most career appearances: 774 by [[Jim Sullivan (rugby, born 1903)|Jim Sullivan]]
*Most International Test caps: 36 by [[Shaun Edwards]] (Great Britain)
*Most decorated player: Shaun Edwards; 8 Championships, 9 Challenge Cups, 3 World Club Challenges.
===Team===
*Biggest victory (All Time): 116–0 vs Flimby & Fothergill, 14 February 1925
*Biggest victory (Super League Era): 84–6 vs [[Hull Kingston Rovers]], 1 April 2013 & 84–6 vs [[Bradford Bulls]], 21 April 2014.
*Highest attendance (Central Park): 47,747 vs [[St Helens R.F.C.|St. Helens]], 27 March 1959
*Highest attendance (DW Stadium): 25,004 (Good Friday 2005 vs St Helens)
*Highest attendance (all-time): 99,801 vs [[Hull F.C.]], 4 May 1985 ([[1985 Challenge Cup]] [[List of Challenge Cup finals|Final]]) at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]]
*Highest attendance vs an international touring team: 30,622 vs [[Australian Kangaroos|Australia]], 12 October 1986 ([[1986 Kangaroo tour|1986 Kangaroo Tour]])
*Heaviest Defeat (Super League): 0–70 vs Leeds Rhinos, 18 June 2005
*Heaviest Defeat (All Time): 0–75 vs St Helens, 26 June 2005
*Most trophies in one season: 4, 2024 (SL, LLS, CC, WCC)
==Academy==
Wigan's academy and youth development system is regarded as one of the very best in the UK within [[rugby league]] and contributes immensely to the sport. The club has a very strong and proud tradition of producing a large quantity of high quality rugby league players. Wigan prides itself on having a significant group of homegrown talent within its first team squad. The players which Wigan produce often go on to represent Wigan's first team or they may leave the club and play for other [[Super League]] and Championship clubs. Over the years, Wigan have faced [[Super League]] and Championship teams containing former players who have either debuted and had careers in the first team but have then left the club or have come through the youth development system and have moved on before playing for the first team.
==Supporters==
Wigan is one of the most well supported British [[rugby league]] clubs.
Home matches during the 1880s saw Wigan regularly attracted over 7,000 supporters. The rugby code often dwarfed those seen on the same weekend at Association Football matches around the country. Up until 1895, Wigan had 18 matches that attracted over 8,000 supporters on home soil whilst matches against Warrington, Swinton and Oldham were a big draw on away days. The highest recorded home attendance was for the 1886 Wigan Union Charity Cup Final between Wigan and Aspull which attracted 18,000 spectators.
During the 1880s, Wigan fans often took advantage of local train companies offering cheap rail fares for big matches. The local train companies took advantage of Wigan supporters who travelled in numbers to away matches. The most popular matches of that era included trips to Warrington and Swinton where between 2,000 and 3,000 supporters travelled regularly.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Attendances during the 1880s|url=https://www.ancientandloyal.com/wigan-supporters|website=Ancientandloyal.com }}</ref>
During the 2006 season, in which the team was struggling to avoid relegation, home attendances increased as fans came to support the club and offer vocal support, many of whom may have not attended on a regular basis previously.
The club averaged 16,016 per home game in 2007. In 2010 Wigan were officially the best-supported club in Super League with a higher average attendance than nearest rivals [[Leeds Rhinos]]. The club have now been confirmed as the best-supported club for the last three seasons of 2010, 2011 and 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wigan Warriors Official Website |title=Wigan Top Attendance Charts |url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=7534&type=news |access-date=17 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010062335/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=7534&type=news |archive-date=10 October 2012 }}</ref>
As a gesture of thanks, the 2008 season saw the Wigan fans have the squad number 18 dedicated to them, a practice which has since continued each season. [[Joe Lydon (rugby)|Joe Lydon]] commented "This is a new practice for clubs who recognise the extra special support which loyal fans can provide to their team in both good and bad times. It is particularly apt for Wigan fans"''.''<ref>{{cite web|title=Warriors Fans the 18th Man |url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=3463 |website=Wiganwarriors.com |date=3 December 2007 |access-date=19 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219180421/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=3463 |archive-date=19 December 2007 }}</ref>
From early 2008, the Wigan fans have often chanted to the tune of [[The Entertainer (rag)|The Entertainer]]. One of the beginning lines of this particular chant is "We're the Greatest Club in the World".
The fans have their own supporters club, The Riversiders, who meet monthly and often have special guests at the meetings including past and present players, coaching staff and members of the Rugby Football League.
In 2010 some supporters set up a group to improve the atmosphere at both home and away games, known as the Wigan Brigantes, Brigantes being the name of the tribe that inhabited this and other large parts of northern England before and during the Roman era. The group started by erecting flags across the South Stand gantry at the DW Stadium, beginning with 12 at the start of the 2010 season and grew steadily from there. The group's banner had the phrase "Long After Tonight Is All Over" as a nod to the [[Jimmy Radcliffe]] song that was a staple of the [[Wigan Casino]] club during the [[Northern soul]] era, and to show their rivals that their support would continue well after the final whistle had sounded. This was particularly true of some of Wigan's away games during the 2011 season, where their fans often stayed well over half an hour after the final hooter singing to the tune of "[[Dale Cavese]]".
There is also a regular fans' forum meeting with chairman [[Professor Chris Brookes]] and the current head coach to discuss the latest issues concerning the club and the work that is being done behind the scenes. So far every meeting has been a sell out.{{Citation needed | date=August 2024}}
Wigan's fans and Wigan people in general are known as 'pie eaters' or 'pies' which is reference to the 1926 General Strike, when Wigan miners were forced to eat 'humble pie' and return to work before miners in other towns, even though they had been on strike before the other towns joined in.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plattbridger.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/wigan/his2ry.htm |title=Wigan History|date=30 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051230041923/http://www.plattbridger.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/wigan/his2ry.htm |access-date=5 February 2025|archive-date=30 December 2005 }}</ref> Since then the word 'pie' has come to mean the pastry rather than the metaphor 'Humble Pie', with many fine bakeries and bakers in the town.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}
==Rivalries==
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2023}}
===St Helens===
[[File:St Helens vs Wigan 2009.JPG|thumb|Wigan playing [[St Helens R.F.C.|St Helens]] during the [[Super League XIV]] Semi-finals]]
{{main|St Helens R.F.C.–Wigan Warriors rivalry}}
The club's strongest and fiercest rivalry is with [[St Helens R.F.C.|St Helens]].
Matches between the two teams are played traditionally on Good Friday and Boxing Day, though the latter fixture has stopped following the move to summer rugby in [[Super League I|1996]]. The first meeting between the two sides took place in November 1895, where the two sides played out a 0-0 stalemate in front of 3,000 spectators at [[Knowsley Road]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/04/01/a-brief-history-of-the-derby-3/|title=A brief history of the Derby|first=Charlotte|last=Fletcher|date=1 April 2023|website=Wigan Warriors|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
The two clubs are two of the most successful clubs in world [[Rugby League]] and regularly compete against one another for silverware.
Wigan boast of having beaten the Saints in the last meetings at [[Central Park (Wigan)|Central Park]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-iv-1999/round-26/wigan-warriors-vs-st-helens/summary.html|title=1999 JJB Super League - Round 26 - Wigan Warriors 28 def. St Helens 20 - RLP|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> and [[Knowsley Road]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xv-2010/round-9/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html|title=2010 Engage Super League - Round 9 - St Helens 10 lost to Wigan Warriors 18 - RLP|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> and the first meeting at [[Totally Wicked Stadium|Langtree Park]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-xvii-2012/round-10/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/summary.html|title=2012 Stobart Super League - Round 10 - St Helens 10 lost to Wigan Warriors 28 - RLP|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> Saints did, however, defeat the Warriors in the first meeting at the [[Brick Community Stadium|JJB Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/super-league-v-2000/round-18/wigan-warriors-vs-st-helens/summary.html|title=2000 Tetley's Super League - Round 18 - Wigan Warriors 28 lost to St Helens 30 - RLP|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> The sides have met in the [[Challenge Cup Final]] a total of six times, both sides having been successful three times. However, the Saints boast a better record in [[Super League Grand Final]]s, having defeated Wigan three times in four meetings.
Overall, Wigan have a superior record over their rivals, having won 206 of the contests to [[St Helens R.F.C.|St Helens]]' 138.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/head2head/st-helens-vs-wigan-warriors/all/summary.html|title=Head to Head - St Helens vs. Wigan Warriors - RLP|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
As of April 2025, the last meeting between the two sides was on 18 April 2025, with Wigan winning 24-14 at The [[Brick Community Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/13350487/wigan-warriors-24-14-st-helens-late-abbas-miski-try-ends-saints-comeback-as-warriors-take-good-friday-derby-win | title=Wigan Warriors 24-14 St Helens: Late Abbas Miski try ends Saints comeback as Warriors take Good Friday derby win | work=Sky Sports }}</ref>
===Leigh Leopards===
The [[Leigh Leopards]] are traditional rivals of the club due to both being located within the Borough of Wigan. Matches between the two clubs are, therefore, local derbies.
The rivalry between these two clubs, however, has been muted due to the fact that the two clubs have regularly competed in different competitions and, therefore, have not played each other consistently (during the Super League era, Wigan and Leigh have only been together in Super League for six seasons, in 2005, 2017, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025).
The 2023 season saw heightened attention being given toward the rivalry as both clubs enjoyed successful seasons, the branding of the rivalry as ‘The Battle of The Borough’ gained notoriety because of this.
As of July 2025, Wigan have won 155 meetings to [[Leigh Leopards|Leigh]]'s 57.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/head2head/leigh-leopards-vs-wigan-warriors/all/summary.html|title=Head to Head - Leigh Leopards vs. Wigan Warriors - RLP|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
At the time of writing, the last meeting between the sides took place on 04 July 2025, with the Leopards winning 18-8<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/leigh-vs-wigan/61082 | title=Leigh 18 - 8 Wigan - Match Report & Highlights | website=www.skysports.com}}</ref> at [[Leigh Sports Village]].
===Warrington Wolves===
[[File:Warrington Vs. Wigan Scrap.jpg|thumb|Fights between players of both teams during a [[Super League]] match on 4 September 2011]]
{{main|Warrington Wolves–Wigan Warriors rivalry}}
Wigan also have a rivalry with neighbours [[Warrington Wolves]]. This rivalry has become particularly fierce from the late 2000s onwards, owing to the [[Warrington Wolves|Wolves']] emergence as a club that contends for silverware. The Warriors also failed to claim victory at Warrington's [[Halliwell Jones Stadium]] for seven years following its opening in 2003. Furthermore, the two clubs compete annually for the Locker Cup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lockergroup.com/socialresponsibility/the-locker-cup-returns-to-rugby-league-after-24-years/|title=The Locker Cup Returns to Rugby League after 24 Years|date=28 May 2019|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
The clubs have met in two [[Challenge Cup Final]]s and three [[Super League Grand Final]]s, Wigan having won all five. Wigan supporters enjoying mocking [[Warrington Wolves|Wolves]] fans for their club's failure to win the [[Rugby Football League Championship|Championship]] since [[1954-55 Northern Rugby Football League season|1955]].
Wigan also boast the superior record in head-to-head meetings, claiming 191 wins to Warrington's 126.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/head2head/warrington-wolves-vs-wigan-warriors/all/summary.html|title=Head to Head - Warrington Wolves vs. Wigan Warriors - RLP|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
The last meeting between the two sides was on 08 August 2025, with Wigan running out 18-24 winners at the [[Halliwell Jones Stadium]].<ref>https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/czd0y36d9q5o</ref>
In July 2024, it was announced that Wigan and Warrington would play each other in [[Las Vegas]] on 1 March 2025, in the first [[Super League]] game to take place in the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cg64v1qzn3zo|title=Wigan Warriors to play Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas in 2025|date=9 July 2024|website=BBC Sport|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> The Warriors won the contest 48-24 with 8 different Wigan players scoring tries.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cq5zg1j4w43o | title=Super League: Wigan Warriors 48-24 Warrington Wolves | date=March 2025 }}</ref>
===Leeds Rhinos===
{{main|Leeds Rhinos–Wigan Warriors rivalry}}
A more notable rivalry is one with [[Leeds Rhinos]], given the two clubs' respective status as two of the most successful and best-supported clubs in British rugby league.
Between 2007 and 2018, the only season either Leeds or Wigan did not win the [[Super League Grand Final]] was in [[2014 Super League Grand Final|2014]]. Curiously enough, the sides only met once in that period at [[Old Trafford]], with the Rhinos winning 22-20 in [[2015 Super League Grand Final|2015]]. However, that is the only time the [[Leeds Rhinos|Rhinos]] have defeated the Warriors in a major final - Wigan having beaten Leeds in three [[Challenge Cup Final]]s, and the [[1998 Super League Grand Final]].
In head-to-head meetings between the two sides since 1896, Wigan have claimed victory 156 times whilst Leeds have won 107.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/head2head/leeds-vs-wigan/all/summary.html|title=Head to Head - Leeds Rhinos vs. Wigan Warriors - RLP|website=Rugbyleagueproject.org|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref>
At the time of writing, the last match between the two clubs resulted in a 12-10 win to Leeds.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/leeds-vs-wigan/61013 | title=Leeds 12 - 10 Wigan - Match Report & Highlights | website=www.skysports.com}}</ref>
==In the community==
Wigan confirmed via the official website that they had been granted charitable status on Wednesday 29 April 2009 via the "charitable arm" of the club the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation. Wigan Warriors carry out extensive community work that stretches from Amateur Rugby League Football clubs to Schools as well as running highly successful community training camps for young people. A part of the community work is visiting primary schools to deliver a programme specifically designed for young people entitled 'Lessons for Life'. The programme is delivered via a geographic family of schools approach and results in each school receiving two hours of Rugby League coaching per week for a six-week period. Additionally every school is offered the opportunity to start an extra curricular club and take part in a "Warriors Tag Festival". The club will now be able to deliver an even more extensive community programme via the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.careerstructure.com/job/community-coordinator/wigan-warriors-community-foundation-job83995773?v=1542333885236|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116085947/https://www.careerstructure.com/job/community-coordinator/wigan-warriors-community-foundation-job83995773?v=1542333885236|url-status=dead|archive-date=2018-11-16|title=Community Coordinator|Energy Champion in Pemberton, Wigan (WN5) | Wigan Warriors Community Foundation - CareerStructure|date=16 November 2018|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>
Wigan became the first club in the country to receive Sport England's Clubmark Gold Award.<ref name="Wigan Warriors clubmark gold award">{{Cite web|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=4702|title=Unknown|accessdate=24 January 2025}}</ref> The Gold award, only available from 1 April 2009, shows the clubs commitment to Duty of Care and Child Protection, Coaching and Competition, Sports Equity and Ethics and Club Management. The Gold award not only meets the minimum standards in all areas, but surpasses them and meets additional criteria too.
Combined with education provider ProCo, Wigan have established a work based learning academy in the town to provide opportunities to young people whilst also providing a permanent base for its scholarship and academy squads. The Work Academy has been given the name "Central Park" in reference to Wigan's former home and also makes reference to the education provider.<ref name="Wigan Warriors central park">{{cite news
|title=Wigan Warriors Unveil Central Park
|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=6590&type=news
|publisher=Wigan Warriors Official Website
|date=7 November 2011
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512120328/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=6590&type=news
|archive-date=12 May 2012
}}</ref>
==
* [[History of Wigan Warriors]]
* [[List of Wigan Warriors seasons]]
* [[List of Wigan Warriors players]]
* [[List of Wigan Warriors internationals]]
==
{{Notelist}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website}}
{{Wigan Warriors}}
{{Super League Europe}}
{{NRFL}}
[[Category:Wigan Warriors| ]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 1872]]
[[Category:Super League teams]]
[[Category:1872 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Founder members of the Northern Rugby Football Union]]
[[Category:Rugby league teams in Greater Manchester]]
[[Category:Sport in Wigan]]
[[Category:Rugby league teams in England]]
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