Josh Charnley returns to rugby league with Warrington Wolves

The 26-year-old ex-Wigan favourite is cutting short his stay in rugby union with Sale Sharks 

Monday 19 March 2018 12:07 GMT
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Josh Charnley made 32 appearances for Sale
Josh Charnley made 32 appearances for Sale (Getty)

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Former England winger Josh Charnley is back in rugby league after joining Warrington.

The 26-year-old ex-Wigan favourite is cutting short his stay in rugby union with Sale Sharks after signing for the Wolves with immediate effect on a contract to the end of 2020.

Warrington coach Steve Price said: "Josh is excited to get back to where his passion lies which is rugby league.

"He's excited to come back into the game that he has grown up on all his career.

"Josh is an exciting talent. I kept an eye on him for a number of years prior to him going to rugby union.

"He's a player who can beat people and break tackles. He's got electric speed and is a fantastic finisher. I feel he can bring something different to what we currently have at the moment."

Charnley, who scored almost a try a game in over 170 appearances for Wigan, made the switch to union after winning the Super League Grand Final in 2016 and made 32 appearances for Sale.

He won seven caps for England between 2012 and 2014 and played in the 2013 World Cup.

Charnley said: "I like this club. It's a good club to be at, there's a good culture here and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in with the lads and pushing for that top four spot.

"There wasn't much persuasion needed. I know a few boys here who speak highly of this club so it wasn't a tough decision to put pen to paper.

"I've always liked playing at this stadium, it's one of my favourites. Hopefully I'll fit straight in with the boys. I've been out of the game 17 months.

"I'll be looking to bring some enthusiasm to the boys and bring a bit of pace to the team. I'll try and be a bit physical and try and give the lads a lift."

Josh Charnley is set to return to Wigan
Josh Charnley is set to return to Wigan (Getty)

Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond said: "Josh has been a pleasure to work with and he has been a great servant for Sale.

"However, we have a highly competitive squad here at Sale and Josh's desire was to play every week and we couldn't guarantee him that.

"Given how important his desire to play every week was to Josh and to the club we thought that this opportunity was right for both parties.

"Everyone here at Sale wishes Josh well on his move to Warrington."

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