Championship club announce latest signing as former forward returns and makes bold statement

Widnes Vikings have announced their fifth signing for 2026, and it comes in the shape of a man who knows the Championship club incredibly well.

The Vikings, who were last in the top flight in 2017, kicked off their recruitment with a statement capture, bringing in former England international Jordan Abdull after the half-back spent a year out of the game.

The signings of Jay Chapelhow from Oldham and Kieran Taylor from North Wales Crusaders came next, before Huddersfield Giants’ Jack Bibby signed on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell at the club in 2025.

Now, they have signed a second player from the Crusaders, following on from their title winning season in League One this year.

Back-rower Sam Wilde is the latest recruit, having appeared 20 times in 2025 for the North Wales side, scoring a huge 23 tries.

The 30-year-old came through the system at Warrington Wolves and featured for the club in the 2016 Super League Grand Final, in what was just his fourth senior start.

He returns to Widnes for his third stint, having played at the club between 2017 and 2020, first on loan before signing permanently. He then returned to the club between 2022 and 2024, and will now play for the Vikings for an eighth season.

“We should be challenging” – Championship recruit raring to go after returning to former club

Wilde, who has amassed 142 appearances for the Vikings in his career already, spoke on his delight to be returning to the club, and set out an ambitious goal for how he wants his side to perform in 2026.

He said: “I’m buzzing to be back here. Everyone knows how I feel about this club. I’ve always enjoyed my rugby playing here, so when I got the opportunity to come back, I had to take it.

“I want to pick up where I left off. A lot of the fans know what my game is about already. I’m all about bringing that strong work ethic, and hopefully, I can add some experience now.

“Next season we should be challenging at the top, I don’t care what anyone else says, I believe in the squad we’ve got and we can definitely compete this season.”

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