Paul Deacon hangs up his boots

Wigan have announced that Paul Deacon will hang up his boots to retire from playing but will join the Warriors’ coaching staff on a 3-year deal.

The 32-year-old is best known for his long spell with the Bradford Bulls where he made over 300 appearances and won the Super League, World Club Challenge and Harry Sunderland Trophy.

Deacon joined the Warriors in the 2010 season and was influential in their Super League side which lifted the Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Deacon will now join new Head Coach Shaun Wane and Assistant Coach Iestyn Harris as part of a new look coaching set up at the DW Stadium.

Speaking about the news Chairman and Owner Ian Lenagan said: “After a fantastic playing career Paul has made the decision to hang up his playing boots and will now join the Club’s backroom staff.

“When Paul joined Wigan back in 2010 it was always with the plan to join the Wigan Coaching Staff and he will now work closely with our new Head Coach Shaun Wane and his Assistant Iestyn Harris. Paul will be missed as a player but his experience in the game is second to none and he will play a key role in helping the Club move forward.

“Paul is yet another who is Wigan born and bred and with Shaun, Mark Bitcon and Kris Radlinski we have a nucleus of staff from the town and that is important to the Club as we move forward.”

Deacon added: “It is always a very difficult decision to decide to stop playing but I have decided to end on a high with the Carnegie Challenge Cup win at Wembley.

“I have had some tremendous times at Bradford where I spent 12 successful years and more recently with my hometown Club Wigan in the last two years under Michael Maguire.  

“I have always wanted to move into Coaching. I am pleased to be given this opportunity with the Warriors and am really looking forward to a new direction in my career.”