Head coach Adrian Lam to leave Wigan Warriors at end of season

The 51-year-old has represented the Super League club as both a player and coach

Adrian Lam is leaving Wigan (Tim Goode/PA) (PA Archive)

Wigan have announced that head coach Adrian Lam will leave the club at the end of the season.

The announcement paves the way for Lam’s predecessor, England national coach, Shaun Wane to return to the club in 2022, although he is expected to take up a directory of rugby type role.

The 51-year-old Lam, a former Warriors player, took over at the DW Stadium in 2019 following the departure of Wane.

He was initially due to take charge for 12 months until the arrival of another former Wigan half-back Shaun Edwards, but stayed on following Edwards’ about-turn.

Under Lam, Wigan won the 2020 League Leaders’ Shield and reached the Grand Final, where they agonisingly lost 8-4 to rivals St Helens but they are currently outside the top three after a difficult season.

Lam said: “This is my second time at this great club, my first being as a player then academy coach and this time as head coach.

“I have loved every moment along this journey and will hold close to my heart some wonderful moments and memories.

“The people of Wigan have always made me feel like one of their own and that is why I love this town so much.

“I feel it’s the right time to pursue other opportunities and will leave at the end of this current 2021 season.”

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan added: “Adrian should be really proud of his three years in charge of Wigan Warriors

Wigan were beaten by St Helens in last year’s Grand Final (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Archive)

“After initially being appointed on a one-year contract, Adrian earned two more years and won the League Leaders’ trophy, coming agonisingly close to winning the Super League Grand Final in 2020.

“We are proud to have offered Adrian his first full-time head coaching job and we believe his experience at Wigan, including the difficult Covid and lockdown period, will lead on to even greater things for him in rugby league.

“Adrian joins a select group who have won trophies and represented Wigan successfully as a player and head coach and we will always hold him in high regard.

“We will now take some time to review the season and the current staffing structures and make an announcement on his replacement in due course.”