Lenegan Assumes Control of Warriors

Ian Lenagan's protracted takeover of Wigan Warriors has been finally completed, after the Harlequins chairman confirmed he had reached an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the club from Dave Whelan. The agreement takes effect from December 1 when the Wigan-born Lenagan will become the new owner with an 89% stake.

"Completion of the deal has taken longer than anticipated and today's announcement is needed to end speculation for supporters and staff alike," he said. "I am delighted to announce that Brian Noble will remain as head coach."

The new management team will include the former Wigan and Great Britain center Joe Lydon, who becomes chief executive of a new holding company, and effectively takes over the running of rugby league's most famous club from Maurice Lindsay.

Lydon, who became football manager at Wigan after playing his last game in 1997, was the Rugby Football League's technical director up to 2000 when he left to work for the Rugby Football Union and coached England's backs from 2004-06.

"I am delighted to be returning to Wigan and, while respectful of the past, now look forward with enthusiasm to the challenges of helping to shape the future," said Lydon.

The Warriors have acquired an option to remain at the JJB Stadium up to 2050, while Lenagan will outline his future at Harlequins at a press conference on Monday.