Former Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos awarded big job in rugby union

Mike Forshaw had the privilege of making his rugby league debut with the ultra dominant Wigan Warriors team of the 80s and 90s.

This came prior to a spell at Wakefield Trinity before a spell with Leeds Rhinos in 1995 and 1996 before Leeds would go on to become a force in Super League.

He himself would be a Super League Champion a year after he left Leeds for Bradford Bulls in 1997.

He spent seven seasons at Odsal as the Bulls won four titles and even the treble.

His professional career ended at Warrington Wolves where he would then become strength and conditioning coach a role he also held at Wigan Warriors but has since been a Defence Coach in Rugby Union and like Kevin Sinfield, Shaun Edwards and Andy Farrell has now made the move to international rugby union joining Wales as Defence coach.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. I can’t wait to meet the players and start working with a really talented squad,” he said on his appointment.

“I played in Cardiff in 2003 and it’s an incredible place to play rugby. I want to get these lads defending with real energy and I want them to be excited about their defensive work.

“If we can do that then I really think we can take some big steps as a team and achieve something special, because the talent is there.

“I had never met Warren before but he’s obviously one of the game’s great coaches. I spoke to him on the phone and I can’t wait to start working with him and getting to know him personally too.

“This is probably one of the only jobs that I would have left Sale for but I know that I’m leaving a club that’s going in the right direction. It’s a really special club and I’m excited to see what this group can achieve this season and beyond.”