Warriors under new ownership

The most famous name in rugby league changed hands on Wednesday when Wigan came under the ownership of Harlequins chairman Ian Lenagan.

Wigan-born Lenagan announced at a press conference at the JJB Stadium that he has reached agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Super League club from current owner Dave Whelan.

The agreement takes effect from December 1 when Lenagan will become the new owner with an 89 per cent stake.

"Completion of the deal has taken longer than anticipated and this 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 former Wigan and Great Britain centre Joe Lydon, who becomes chief executive of a new holding company, and effectively takes over the running of the 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," he said.

Lenagan will outline his future at Harlequins at a press conference on Monday.