Denis Betts returns to coaching scene with Wigan Warriors

Denis Betts is interviewed at St James' Park, Newcastle

The 54-year-old, who was last with Newcastle Thunder as director of rugby until 2022, succeeds Kris Ratcliffe as new Women’s boss after he stepped down due to his career commitments as a teacher.

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Betts served the Warriors twice as a player and returns to the club for his fourth stint following a coaching spell across the academy and first team, having acted as Wigan’s caretaker coach for 38 games in 2004 and 2005.

The former Widnes Vikings coach won six league titles, seven Challenge Cups, three Premierships and two World Club Challenges as a player in a total of 367 appearances for the club.

He has also coached in rugby union with Gloucester and was Wayne Bennett’s England assistant ahead of the 2016 Four Nations.

The appointment makes Betts one the highest-profile coaches since the launch of the Women’s Super League.

“This is a great challenge and I’m excited to be able to get back on the field and coach,” Betts said.

“The Women’s Super League has got a great future, and I am getting the chance to coach at a time when the game has great growth around it and has some fantastic athletics involved.

“To be involved with Wigan again is an amazing opportunity, and to be involved at a time when there are such brilliant opportunities with the new vision and investment is something I’m really looking forward to.”