Rugby: League star set for union debut

Wigan rugby league star Gary Connolly will make his debut for Orrell in tomorrow’s Powergen Cup sixth round tie against Leeds at Edge Hall Road.

The Great Britain centre has been handed Orrell’s number 12 jersey as the National Division Two side target a major cup upset.

Connolly, who played for Harlequins on a four-month contract in 1996, has only just returned from holiday in Mexico.

But he goes straight into the starting line-up, alongside Wigan colleague Wes Davies, grandson of rugby league legend Billy Boston.

Connolly, 30, is only expected to feature in a handful of Orrell games before rejoining Wigan for pre-season training.