Wigan Warriors confirm second dual-registration partners with new friendly fixture announced

The DW Stadium outfit have agreed a deal with Midlands Hurricanes alongside a fresh friendly for a mixture of the club’s academy and reserves against the League 1 side this Saturday, January 20.

Wigan previously confirmed a partnership with recently-relegated Wakefield Trinity for their 2024 Championship season, with the two sides set to meet in a pre-season fixture later this month on Friday, January 26.

Speaking on the dual-registration agreement, Wigan’s head of youth Shane Eccles said: “Midlands have been building for a few years now and moving into a new stadium this year is helping develop them and expand rugby league to a wider audience.

“This partnership is an opportunity for our young players to experience playing at a different level alongside helping the Midlands develop further, both on and off the field. We look forward to working with Mark Dunning and giving our players a new opportunity in their development along our pathway.”

The arrangement between the two clubs will see Wigan players continue to be registered to the Warriors and also registered to play for the Hurricanes.

The new link will also give Wigan’s transition players the opportunity to gain valuable and regular first-team experience, with the side currently coached by former Bradford boss Mark Dunning.

He said: “It’s great news that the club partnership with Wigan Warriors is finalised and announced.

“Wigan are one of the top clubs in the world and current Super League champions, so to have this holistic partnership that runs from bootroom to boardroom is fantastic and one that is very exciting.”