Swinton hook up with Warrington

Championship side Swinton Lions have announced details of a new partnership with Super League giants Warrington.

The partnership will enable the Lions to “draw upon the Wolves’ performance expertise”, which includes the involvement of Warrington’s coaching and performance staff and facilities.

In addition Warrington Wolves’ squad players will be dual registered with Swinton Lions, with up to six players able to play each week.

For Warrington, currently second in the table and hoping to add the Grand Final to their Wembley success, it will allow their emerging and fringe players valuable game-time experience in the competitive environment of the Championship.

Swinton chairman John Kidd said: “This is a massive step forward for Swinton rugby league club. It will allow us to tap in to the coaching, playing and off-field resources of one of the best-run clubs in not just Super League, but the entire world of rugby league.

“We are making a massive effort to move this club forward and this is another big step in the right direction.”

Wolves’ first team assistant coach and Under-20s head coach Richard Marshall said: “The partnership with Swinton can only be beneficial to both parties from a performance and commercial point of view.

“With the proposed changes to the academy structure we felt we needed the right environment for our top developing players to flourish.

“We are looking forward to working with Swinton’s current playing, coaching and administration staff and realise both have strong traditions in their own right, which must be respected.

“Over recent times Warrington Wolves investment towards youth development has been significant and very successful. We believe that the partnership will continue to develop our athletes in the competitive Championship competition.”

Swinton coach Steve McCormack added: “As a club we are developing both on and off the field and we’ve come a long way over the last two years. But the resources an organisation like Warrington can bring to Swinton are invaluable so it’s a great move for us.

“On the field they are one of the best – if not the best – in Super League. Off the field they are the benchmark for a lot of Super League clubs and as such the clubs will also forge an off-field association, with Swinton hoping to benefit from the commercial expertise of the Super League club.”