Wigan Warriors prop duo sign new contracts as club build long-term succession plan

Wigan Warriors have rewarded Liam Byrne and Ethan Havard with new long-term contracts after the pair put pen to paper on new deals. Rugby League Live can reveal powerhouse prop Byrne has signed a new three-year deal with the club, with talented Havard extending his deal for another two years.

Both have been in fine form so far this season and had an influential role in the club's Challenge Cup Final victory over Huddersfield Giants last month, their first major title under new head coach Matt Peet. Byrne has successfully transitioned into a starting prop this year and has now made 68 appearances for the Warriors at the age of 22. He still had a year remaining on his current deal, but his new deal will keep him at the club until the end of 2025.

As for Havard, the youngster enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough in 2020 before a serious ankle injury robbed him of a place in the Grand Final. Having now overcome a back problem, Havard has recaptured his top form and recently made his 51st appearance for the club. The Sofia-born forward is now under contract until the end of 2024.

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Speaking about their new deals, Byrne said: “I’m very grateful to be extending my time at this great club and looking forward to what the future holds for me personally and as a team.”

Havard added: “I’m really pleased and grateful to be extending my time at my hometown club. Wigan is the perfect environment to help me develop my game and I’m very excited to see what the future holds for me and the team.”

It's the latest piece of retention secured by the club following the news that Liam Farrell has signed a new three-year deal with the club. Commenting on the