Former Wigan Warriors duo to hang up their boots after 15-year careers
Two former Wigan Warriors stars will hang up their boots at the end of the season
Former Wigan Warriors duo Sam Powell and Jack Hughes have both announced that they will retire at the end of the season.
Hooker Powell, 34, came through the youth ranks at Wigan and went on to make 273 appearances for his hometown club across 12 seasons, helping the Warriors win three Super League titles, a World Club Challenge title and three League Leaders’ Shields.
The former Wigan St Patricks and Hindley ARLFC junior has spent the last three years of his career with Warrington Wolves, where he will now join Sam Burgess’ coaching staff ahead of next season.
“Reflecting on my career, I can hold my head high and say I’ve given it my all,” said Powell.
“I’m very proud of representing two top Super League clubs over my time playing.
“Firstly, to my hometown club Wigan, where I spent most of my career. Some very special moments for my family and I.
“Then onto the Wire, where I’ve met some top people and really enjoyed being a part of this club. My time here isn’t coming to an end just yet.
“Thank you to my wife, Ria, and my three beautiful girls. Thank you to all the players I’ve played with. Thank you to all the coaches that have had an impact on my playing career. It’s been a great journey.”
Hughes, 34, will hang up his boots after making more than 350 appearances across a 15-year professional playing career in the colours of Wigan, Warrington and Leigh Leopards.
The former Golborne Parkside junior came through the youth system at Wigan alongside Powell before going on to play 75 first-team games for the Warriors, helping his hometown club win the Super League Grand Final in 2013.
Hughes then enjoyed seven seasons with Warrington, where he won the Challenge Cup in 2019.
The former Great Britain international has spent the last four seasons of his career with Leigh, playing a part in the Leopards’ Challenge Cup win at Wembley in 2023.
“It’s been a long, hard-thought decision and a difficult one - a lot more difficult than I ever imagined it would be when the time came,” said Hughes.
“Although we all know it’s coming for us at some point, I have decided that, at the end of the season, I will bring the curtain down.
“I made up my mind a few weeks ago, but if I’m honest, I was changing it on a daily basis depending on how I felt. I’ve been toying with it, and it’s been really difficult, but I have made the decision now.”