Oliver Gildart posts difficult update as he leaves Wigan Warriors

Oliver Gildart is on board to Australia following his exit from the Wigan Warriors.

The centre’s exit was confirmed in May as Gildart prepares to move to the Wests Tigers.

A product of the Wigan Academy, Gildart, 24, has been a first team regular since 2016 – making almost 150 appearances and scoring over 60 tries for his hometown club.

The Great Britain and England international is a double Super League winner with Wigan and was also part of the World Club Challenge triumph in 2017.

But, alongside Jackson Hastings, he will be an NRL player – and Wests Tigers specifically – in 2022.

Upon his move, Gildart said: “I’ve been living my childhood dream playing for my hometown club since the age of 11.

“I’ll never forget my debut try against Warrington and of course, it doesn’t get much better than playing in front of a packed Old Trafford and scoring a try in a Grand Final win.

“I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by legends year in year out at this club who have helped me become the person l am today.

“However, it’s been no secret that I’ve wanted to challenge myself over in Australia. When Michael Maguire and his team showed interest, it became clear that Wests Tigers is where I want to be in the next stage of my career.

“I owe a lot of credit to my dad, Bill Ashurst and Alan Rimmer for pushing me on in my amateur days at Wigan St Pats.

“And a massive thanks to the fans. You have been outstanding through thick and thin. We can’t wait to have you back in the stands.”

And now Gildart said goodbye to his family from the airport as he prepares for a flight to Dubai and then on to Sydney.

He posted: “England you’ve been a pleasure now time to go and chase another dream with my best pal @kimhutchx ‘sorry mum every pic your sobbing’ ❤️”

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