Wigan Warriors and Athletic to develop Orrell ground

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Edge Hall Road - pictured in 1998 - was previously used by Orrell RUFC until 2007

Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic have announced plans to redevelop Edge Hall Road Stadium in Orrell into a training centre for women's rugby league and football.

The site, which was formerly the home of Orrell RUFC, has not been used since 2019 when Wigan Warriors moved their training operations to Robin Park Arena.

Wigan Athletic Women will play their home games at the site, which will include a "full refurbishment of the clubhouse and surrounding facilities".

The site will also aid the development of the inaugural Wigan Athletic women鈥檚 team, said.

"This once again emphasises the importance we have put on both women鈥檚 football and sport in general here at Wigan Athletic and across the wider borough," Wigan Athletic sporting director Gregor Rioch said.

"This marks yet another significant leap forward for women鈥檚 sports in our town.

"Whilst the football club is just embarking on its journey in women鈥檚 football, our rugby side has been dedicated to advancing women鈥檚 rugby for several years now.

鈥淲e鈥檝e invested extensively in a women鈥檚 performance programme, including coaching and medical infrastructure led by [head coach] Denis Betts.

鈥淭he establishment of their dedicated facility will propel the programme to even greater heights."