Sean O’Loughlin and Tommy Leuluai to play rugby union this weekend

Wigan Warriors legends Sean O’Loughlin and Tommy Leuluai will lace up their boots again this weekend when they cross codes to play rugby union.

The pair will line up for local club Wigan RUFC in the centres when they take on Eccles RUFC at Douglas Valley on Saturday, 2:15pm kick-off.

💥💥Team announcement 💥💥

Another huge weekend at Douglas Valley with both teams again at home and looking to build on last weeks double.

1st XV host league leaders @EcclesRugby
2nd XV host @WidnesRufc

Both Kick off 14.15 pm. pic.twitter.com/ZG9J99Dx2b

— Wigan RUFC (@WiganRufc) February 2, 2023

O’Loughlin and Leuluai are both currently assistant coaches to Matt Peet at the Warriors, with the Super League giants aiming to build on last year’s success in the Challenge Cup.

Former England captain O’Loughlin hung his boots up at the end of the 2020 campaign following a stellar career playing at the highest level.

The 40-year-old made 459 appearances for his hometown club, scoring 88 tries.

O’Loughlin is a four-time Super League Grand Final winner with the Warriors. He also won two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge during his 19-year professional playing career.

The Wigan-born loose forward won 36 international caps in total for Great Britain and England, representing his country in two World Cups.

O’Loughlin also made the Super League Dream Team on seven occasions.

LOCKERS: George Williams highlights the three players who have inspired him the most

Tommy Leuluai: The adopted Wiganer

Leuluai was born and raised in New Zealand, and is of Samoan and Maori heritage.

The Auckland-born half-back played two seasons in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors before making the switch to England with London Broncos in 2005.

Leuluai spent two seasons in the capital before moving up north to Wigan. He had two spells at Wigan, with a four-year stint back home at the New Zealand Warriors in between.

Leuluai was a fan favourite on the terraces at the DW Stadium. He scored 74 tries in 327 appearances for Wigan in total.

The World Cup winner won two Super League titles and two Challenge Cups with the Warriors. He also won the World Club Challenge in 2017.

The league connection in union

There is a strong league presence in union right now. Wigan legend Andy Farrell helped take Ireland to being the number one ranked nation in the world.

Leeds hero Kevin Sinfield has recently been appointed defence coach at England, whilst former Great Britain rugby league international Mike Forshaw is working with Wales.

Wigan legend Shaun Edwards is earning the plaudits with France and former Bradford favourite Paul Deacon is now at Sale Sharks.

READ NEXT: A dream XIII of cross-code rugby stars