Maguire handed Wigan reins

Australian Michael Maguire was today appointed as Wigan’s new head coach in succession to former Great Britain boss Brian Noble.

Maguire, 35, will step down from his current role as assistant coach with NRL champions Melbourne Storm to take up a three-year contract with the Warriors.

Shaun Wane, a former Wigan and Great Britain prop forward, will move up from senior academy coach at the DW Stadium to become Maguire’s assistant.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: “Michael is one of the most highly related young coaches in the game who has learned under a master coach at Melbourne in Craig Bellamy.”

Wigan needed special dispensation from the Rugby Football League to employ Maguire, who was not at today’s press conference at the DW Stadium but will join the club next month.