Wigan Warriors: Ethan Havard long-term deal ‘a huge statement of intent’ from player and club
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Wigan coach Matt Peet says the Warriors are delighted to build the club around Ethan Havard after the England prop committed his long-term future to the club.
The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal that will see him stay with the club until at least the end of 2027.
Havard has already made more than 70 appearances for Wigan since making his first team in 2019. He also made his international debut for England in their 64-0 win over France earlier this season.
And the Bulgaria-born front-rower put in a powerhouse display to help the Warriors beat Warrington 14-12 in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, with Peet revealing after the game that Havard had committed his long-term future to the club.
Peet said: “It’s massive for us. We don’t like talking too much about individuals about when they are in and when they are not in but I was very confident that Ethan would make a big impact.
“He was picked for England just before he got injured. I know what he’s capable of, I know how many minutes he plays for us, how fit he is – I think he could knock 80 minutes out now without too much concern.
“I think he’s a player we are delighted we’ll be able to build the club around over the next four years because he’s committed his future to the club which is a huge statement of intent from him and us.
“And I look forward to working with him and seeing him develop, he is already a really good front-rower and a really good bloke but I think he can be whatever he wants.”
Sky is the limit for Ethan Havard after new deal
Speaking after the game, Peet revealed there has always been interest in Havard on both sides of the world, but is delighted to see him remain with the Warriors for the long-term.
Peet added: “He could make himself wherever he wants. I think Ethan is a player who has always had interest on both sides of the world and we’re really proud that he’s committed here.
“To be honest with you, every player now in Super League under 21 could go to the NRL if they wanted. They are taking players and banging them in 30, 35th men but what we want to do is keep our best talent in this country – every team.
“If they decide to go over when they are a bit more mature at 27 or 28, I can understand why they would but I think young players would do well at the moment to just stay over here a bit longer, play in games like today.
“Ethan was quite an easy one in terms of his commitment to the club. He knows what we think of him, he knows the ambition of the club over the next few years and he’s a massive part of it and others around him as well.”
Havard added: “I’m proud to play here and pull on this jersey every week. The club is building and I’m excited to see what the future holds for me at this club.”