Liam Farrell announces his retirement at the end of the 2026 season

Wigan Warriors Club captain Liam Farrell will retire from his professional Rugby League playing career at the end of the 2026 Betfred Super League season, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable one-club career spanning 17 professional seasons.

A product of the renowned Wigan Scholarship and Academy system and a former Wigan St Patrick’s junior, Farrell made his first-team debut as a teenager in a 54-4 win over Wakefield in April 2010 and went on to become one of the most decorated and respected players in the Club's storied history. 

Farrell succeeded Thomas Leuluai as captain in 2023 and has led the Warriors with the same quiet authority and relentless work ethic that defined his own playing style.

Capped 12 times by England, Farrell's honour roll at club level includes six Super League titles, five Challenge Cup triumphs and two World Club Challenge victories. He has also won five League Leaders’ Shields, a Harry Sunderland Trophy and appeared in the Super League Dream Team five times. 

Alongside all his moments lifting silverware, the 36-year-old has many highlights, perhaps the most instantly remembered being the last minute winning try in the Good Friday Derby against arch rivals St Helens in 2011. In total, Liam has made 428 appearances for Wigan, scoring 151 tries.

Throughout it all, he has worn the Cherry and White with a pride and consistency that few in the modern era can, or will ever, match.

Liam Farrell said: “It’s been a whirlwind of a career, more than I could ever have dreamed of doing. Although I’ll be sad not to be playing anymore, I’m also very grateful for the career that I have had and I can now look forward to the next part of my life.”

The Warriors Captain added: “You have to make the right call at the right time, and I think I have done that. Speaking to people close to me, professionals and the advice I have been given, it’s the right time.

“Playing one game for Wigan was always the goal for me. If I had have done that and never played again I’d have been immensely proud, my family would have been proud and we’d have gone back to being Wigan fans. So to have been able to play over 400 games in this jersey has been nothing short of incredible.”

Farrell finished off saying: “I’ve loved it here. It’s a very special place for me and my family, and it always will be.”

Wigan Warriors, Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski said: "Liam will go down as one of Wigan's greatest players. Sustaining excellence for so many years requires extraordinary commitment, resilience and mental strength. 

“He has always put the team first, carried himself with quiet humility, and earned the respect of everyone connected with the club. His legacy is secure and he deserves to be celebrated.

“Liam will remain at the club in an S&C capacity after gaining his qualifications alongside his playing career. Alongside this role, his knowledge and experience will help develop the next generation of Warriors leaders.”

Wigan Warriors, Head Coach, Matt Peet said: “Anyone who’s watched Wigan over the last 17 years will know what Liam Farrell means to the Club. 

“The way he’s played, the trophies he’s lifted, moments in big games, times he’s played injured or out of position, and always carried himself impeccably. To come from the town, through the community game, the academy and achieve what he has in that manner is exactly what Wigan supporters want in one of their own.” 

He added: “On a personal level, Faz…thank you! Thank you for giving everything you have to the team. As a coach, it’s a dream to have a captain who sets standards like you do. The humility, the consistency, the quiet toughness.

“It’s who you are. And it’s why everyone respects you. I know your mum and dad, Laura and your three boys are so proud. I’m looking forward to working with you in this next stage of your career. You’ll be a huge addition to the staff, but before that, we all want to see you enjoy every moment of the rest of this season.”