Shaun Wane is to step down as Wigan coach at the end of the season, some 36 years after he made his debut for the cherry and whites as a player.
A feircely competitive forward, Wane made 150 appearances for his hometown club and also played for Workington and Leeds before rejoining Wigan as a scout.
He worked his way through the Wigan academy coaching set-up to become assistant to Michael Maguire in 2010 and was part of the coaching team that inspired the club to a Super League title. Wane developed a reputation for nurturing young, local talent and it was a philosphy which served him well as he replaced Maguire as head coach in 2012.
During the last six seasons, Wane has re-established Wigan as one of the powerhouses of the game, winning the Challenge Cup, League Leader’s Shield, World Club Challenge and two Super League Grand Finals. He is Wigan’s longest-serving coach of the Super League era and the fifth longest-serving Wigan coach of all time.
News of his departure came as something of a shock but he will not be without offers and Catalans Dragons have already been touted as a possible destination for the no-nonsense coach.
Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: "Shaun Wane will leave Wigan Rugby League Club in the knowledge that his place in Wigan’s history is guaranteed. I feel certain that his decision to leave will have been a difficult one but he is a winner who wants to advance his career and challenge himself further on a different stage, having won everything with Wigan.
“He has developed from being a tough and uncompromising Rugby League prop in his playing days to become an equally tough and uncompromising Head Coach but with exceptional technical, tactical and player-motivational skills and a fearsome winning mentality.
“He has provided Wigan Rugby League Club with some memorable moments in the past six years and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey that we have been on together. I have immense respect and admiration for Shaun as a Coach and would be delighted to see him sign off his seventh year as Wigan head coach with yet more trophies.
“I feel sure the Wigan fans will join me in ensuring that Shaun gets the appropriate send-off that he so richly deserves. In terms of a replacement, Wigan will not rush into an appointment as Shaun goes on to complete his final season.”
Wane said: “Regrettably I have decided to announce my resignation as Head Coach of Wigan Warriors with the 2018 season being my last in charge. Throughout my playing and coaching career I have enjoyed unparalleled success in all areas.
“The town of Wigan and the club will always remain special to me however I feel that now is the right time for me to seek a new challenge and direction in my professional career. As head coach, I have taken the club to six major finals, winning three, given debuts to 37 players from the Wigan Academy and won a World Club Challenge, to name but a few.
“These accolades have given me both personal and professional satisfaction and the memories will remain with me evermore.
“During my career, I have made many special friends with players, past and present, coaching staff, office staff and management and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to you all for the support that you have afforded me, without which the success may not have been so great. I would also like to publicly express my sincere thanks for the incredible support from my wife Lorraine and my daughters Bethan and Megan throughout my whole career, which at times has been incredibly difficult both on and off the field, especially the last two years.
“On a final point, I would like to thank all of the players, coaching and medical staff, the loyal Wigan fans, Club Chairman, Ian Lenagan, Club Director Kris Radlinski and Head of Performance, Mark Bitcon for helping me achieve a truly memorable and successful 30 years.
“I have one last task to complete and that is to bring home as much silverware as possible this season.”
Former Wigan player Shaun Edwards, who has enjoyed success in rugby union as a coach with Wales and the British and Irish Lions, is among the early frontrunners to replace Wane next year.
