Joel Tomkins completes Saracens switch

Joel Tomkins has completed his switch from league to union by joining Premiership champions Saracens in a £250,000 move.

The 24-year-old made his debut for Wigan in 2005 and played 149 times for his home town club and will join Saracens with immediate effect. 

Wigan also announced that they have struck a partnership with the rugby union side, incorporating co-operation between the respective coaching teams and academies, player loans and a cross-code match.

Commenting on the deal, Tomkins said: “I will always be a proud Wiganer, but everybody in rugby union and rugby league can see there is something very special happening at Saracens, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Ian Lenagan, Chairman of Wigan Warriors, said: “Joel wished to move to the South of England and take his chance at Rugby Union. Wigan would not step in the way of a player with such clear ideas to leave. He is joining an excellent club in Saracens.

“Wigan has grown close with Saracens through these and previous discussions and we are delighted and excited by the partnership between Wigan and Saracens we are announcing today. Both games have their own place separately but the synergy available from these two leading clubs working together is exceptional”

Nigel Wray, chairman of Saracens, said: “Wigan are a fantastic rugby club with a fantastic worldwide reputation, and we are really excited by the potential of this partnership as we share resources and knowledge to ensure each club is able to maximise its potential on and off the field.”