BREAKING NEWS: Wigan Warriors Announce Departure of Six Key Players in Major Squad Overhaul
April 10, 2025 | Wigan, England — FOX Rugby News
In a major development ahead of the 2025 Super League campaign, Wigan Warriors have officially confirmed the departure of six key players from their squad. The club stated that the decision is part of a strategic overhaul aimed at rejuvenating the team and building on the momentum of their recent successes.
The announcement comes as Wigan look to maintain their position as one of Super League’s elite clubs following a stellar 2023 season, which saw them lift both the Betfred Challenge Cup and the Super League Grand Final. While fans will be sad to see several familiar faces exit the DW Stadium, club officials have emphasized that these changes are necessary to ensure the team remains competitive and evolves with the demands of modern rugby league.
Among those departing are long-serving utility player Sam Powell, who has signed a two-year deal with Warrington Wolves. Powell, who made 284 appearances for Wigan, has been a stalwart of the squad for over a decade, contributing to multiple title wins and earning a reputation for his reliability and versatility.
Veteran centre Iain Thornley is also leaving, with his next destination confirmed as Wakefield Trinity. Thornley was a valuable asset in Wigan’s 2022 Challenge Cup and 2023 Grand Final triumphs, and his leadership both on and off the field will be missed.
The other departures include several younger players and squad members who have struggled to find consistent first-team opportunities. While their names have not all been officially released, sources close to the club suggest that the exodus includes a mix of forwards and backs who will now seek fresh starts either within Super League or in the Championship.
Speaking about the changes, Wigan head coach Matt Peet explained: “These decisions are never easy. We’re saying goodbye to players who’ve given their all for the club, but we believe this is the right time to refresh our squad and create opportunities for younger talent coming through our system. The goal is to build not just for the next season, but for long-term success.”
The club’s restructuring appears to align with recent signings and youth development initiatives. Earlier this year, Wigan confirmed that they had secured the services of young prospects Jonny Vaughan and Dayon Sambou from rivals St Helens, with both expected to join the club officially in 2026.
In addition, Wigan have continued to use the loan system effectively to give their rising stars match experience. Players like Kian McDermott and Lukas Mason have recently joined the London Broncos on one-month deals, following in the footsteps of several former Wigan talents who benefited from similar spells.
The departures, while emotional for fans, mark a clear statement of intent from the Warriors: they are not content to rest on past achievements. With a sharpened focus on youth, recruitment, and dynamic play, Wigan appear poised to usher in a new chapter—one that they hope will deliver continued silverware and long-term dominance in the Super League.
Supporters will now be watching closely to see who else may join the ranks before the new season begins—and whether this bold reshuffle will pay off on the field.