Wigan Warriors have confirmed Paul Deacon’s return to rugby league with the Super League legend taking up a coaching opportunity at the Brick Community Stadium. Deacon is a former Wigan player and assistant coach and he has returned to reprise the latter role, working under head coach Matt Peet.
Deacon has been working in rugby union with Sale Sharks for 10 years, having crossed codes to join the Premiership outfit back in July 2015. He worked as attack/skills coach with the Sharks initially before taking the head coach role in December 2020 and has spent the last few years working in the role under director of rugby Alex Sanderson.
Deacon left his position at Sale at the end of the 2024-25 Premiership season and he’s decided to make a return to the 13-man code, taking up a position with his hometown club Wigan.
The 46-year-old can be considered a Super League great for what he achieved during his time with Bradford Bulls, winning three Grand Finals, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge in 326 appearances for the club.
He went on to spend the final two seasons of his career with Wigan, where he won the 2010 Super League Grand Final an the 2011 Challenge Cup before his retirement. He joined Wigan’s coaching staff after hanging up his boots and he returns to the club to take up a similar role.
Paul Deacon on his return to Wigan Warriors
“I’m humbled and honoured to be working with this group of coaches and players and to be coming into the best team in the world,” Deacon told Wigan Warriors’ official site.
“It’s nice to be home again, and hopefully I can bring something extra to the group.”
Head coach Peet added: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul into the coaching team. He is a good man that knows the club well and through his time in rugby union he has gained invaluable experience. His knowledge and skillset will help us all improve.”
