Wigan to stage union matches

Wigan could help stage rugby union as part of an agreement with the town's 15-man code club. Wigan Rugby Union Club have agreed to allow their rugby league neighbours to share training facilities at their Douglas Valley ground, where work on a pounds 250,000 development - to include a covered training pitch, running track and gymnasium - is expected to be completed later this year.

Under the agreement, Wigan's Academy team will play at Douglas Valley while Central Park would stage rugby union matches for the first time. The two sports will avoid a clash when rugby league switches to the summer from next year.

The Wigan RL director, John Martin, said: "This is an equal partnership between ourselves and Wigan Rugby Union Club."