Joel Tomkins rejoins Wigan
Wigan Warriors have announced that Joel Tomkins has rejoined the club, after a spell in rugby union.
He spent three years in the other code, amassing a total of 40 appearances for Saracens, winning three full England caps, as well as two for the development side known as the England Saxons.
He has signed a four-and-a-half year deal, keeping him at the club whose junior ranks he emerged from alongside his brothers Sam and Logan.
“I’d like to thank Saracens for the opportunity for me to try a different sport, a different lifestyle and also for assisting my development which allowed me to represent my country and fulfil one of my ambitions,” said the 27-year-old.
“However, after a long thought-out process and at this stage in my life, I realised that the timing was right to come home.
“I am very grateful to Wigan Warriors for taking me back to the best rugby club in the world.
“It means everything to me to pull on the famous Cherry and White jersey again.”
Wigan have paid an undisclosed transfer fee for the player, who will be fit to play by August at the latest. He is currently recovering from a bulging disc in his back, and should be fit for action in around four weeks.
Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: “To bring a player of the calibre of Joel Tomkins back to Wigan and back to Rugby League gives me great pleasure.
“His positive motives for returning will also send shockwaves across the sporting world where many people perceive sportsmen as being driven purely by money.
“We said when he left that we hoped he would return one day to pull on the famous Cherry & White shirt and this is a proud day for the Wigan club.
“I’ve no doubt this will be welcomed by everyone associated with Rugby League, none more so than by Wigan fans.”
He also fuelled speculation, when he said: “Let them go and they’ll come back to Wigan. Joel’s the first.”
Wigan head coach Shaun Wane added:”To see Joel Tomkins come back to us demonstrates the strength of the culture we have here at Wigan and shows that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.
“His return is a clear indication of the strength of our sport and the pleasures of playing it and I would sincerely like to thank Kris Radlinski (Rugby General Manager) and Ian Lenagan for bringing back one of the best rugby players in the world.”