Josh Charnley to leave Wigan Warriors for Sale Sharks

Omnisports

March 30, 2016 7:36 AM

Wigan Warriors and England international Josh Charnley is to switch codes to rugby union and join Sale Sharks at the end of the season.

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The Super League club confirmed on Wednesday that winger Charnley and versatile back Dan Sarginson are to leave when their contracts expire at the conclusion of the campaign.

Sarginson, who joined Wigan from London Broncos in 2014, will make the switch to NRL side Gold Coast Titans.

But it is the departure of Charnley that will likely be more keenly felt. The 24-year-old has scored 148 tries in 151 appearances for Wigan but has decided his future lies in the 15-man game.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan told the club's official website: [Executive director] Kris Radlinski and I have been in negotiations with Josh Charnley and his representatives for more than a year and have done everything possible to allow Josh to stay at Wigan and rekindle his partnership with Sam Tomkins.

"We offered Josh a new long-term contract that would put him up there with the biggest earners at the club but having won so much at Wigan, he feels that the time is right to take on a new challenge.

"After seeing Josh return to form this year after an indifferent 2015 season, we are naturally disappointed with his decision but would like to thank him for everything that he has done for the Wigan club. His try-scoring record is impeccable and we hope that he can leave Wigan on a high at the end of the season.

"Having brought Dan Sarginson from London Broncos to Wigan and helped him improve as a player to the point where he played for the England national side, we are similarly disappointed that he has decided his future lies in Australia but understand the player's view."

Charnley said: "Since joining the club seven years ago, the team and the fans have been like a second family to me. Shaun Wane has been an amazing coach, mentor and friend and I thank him and all the players for the past seven years.

"I've had the most amazing times at the club, the 2013 double will live long in the memory when I look back on my career. I will forever be supporting Wigan Warriors, and stay involved in the local community as I have so many good memories, friends and family here."

Meanwhile, Sarginson added: "My time at Wigan has been amazing from playing in two World Club Series matches, a Grand Final and hopefully many more big games this year before hopefully going out on a winning note.

"I put my international debut heavily down to the coaching and superb service I have received while at the club. The Wigan fans have been brilliant all year round and I couldn't have asked for more from the club."

Omnisports

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