Purdham to join Wigan in Cumbria role

Wigan have appointed former London captain Rob Purdham as an ambassador, helping to promote the Warriors around Cumbria.

Purdham, 33, started his career with Whitehaven before spending 10 years at London/Harlequins.

His role will include hosting coaching camps in association with the Warriors Community Department, involvement in coach education evenings and working in talent identification, attempting to spot future Wigan stars.

He said: “As a proud Cumbrian I have always said Cumbria should be in Super League but for a number of reasons we are not, so having one of the biggest club’s in the world wanting to be associated with the area and give young talent a gateway to the competition is the next best thing. The Wigan club is the blue print of how a club should be run, so for me to be part of it is a huge honour.

“This is an exciting time for Cumbrian Rugby League, we know how good the amateur game is up here but this venture is giving local youngsters something to aim for. It is our target to be able to unearth top quality local talent good enough to ply their trade in Super League with the biggest name, the Wigan Warriors.”

Cumbria hasn’t had a team in Super League since Workington were relegated in its inaugural season in 1996, winning just two of their 22 games.

Barrow, Whitehaven and Workington all currently compete in the Kingstone Press Championship.

Warriors rugby general manager Kris Radlinski added: “Rob’s profile within the game makes him an ideal candidate to head up our presence in Cumbria. We know that Rugby League in the county is massive and Wigan has such a great following up there. 

“We hope Rob can tap in to his contacts and help us discover new talent and also spread the philosophies of the club.”

Purdham will launch his involvement with Wigan at a special coach education evening with Warriors head coach Shaun Wane at Lakes College in West Cumbria on September 17.