Wigan Warriors secure Ethan Havard to new deal

Melbourne Storm were among the clubs keeping track of Havard's progress in the Warriors pack.

But the ex-England academy international has committed his future to Wigan.

The 19-year-old - who was born in Bulgaria - has signed a deal which runs until the end of 2022, with an option for the following season.

Warriors executive director Kris Radlinski said: “Ethan has proved in recent weeks that he has a very bright future in front of him. He is more than holding his own in Wigan's first team squad and has shown maturity beyond his years.

“He is a very confident, calm and composed individual who has a clear direction of where he is going in the game. We look forward to watching his career develop.”

Havard, who had a year on his existing deal to run, made his Wigan debut in a a 46-16 win against Wakefield last July.

He recently played 80 minutes in victory against Castleford and returned to the side for last Saturday's 28-12 victory against Catalans Dragons.

Havard said: “I’m buzzing. This is where I want to be, and this is where I want to play. I’m enjoying my rugby; I like my teammates and I love coming into training every day. I felt like I’ve found my feet by learning off all the players in the group.”

Head coach Adrian Lam added: “Ethan is a young man with a big future. He’s come through our junior programme, so he understands our DNA as a club and who we are.

“He works as hard as anybody in the club and he’ll only get better with more pre-seasons and taking on the advice from his coaches.

“We’re very proud to have him at our club. He’s our future and he’s one of many young players coming through that we are looking forward to seeing develop.”