Factfile
Position: Prop forward
Date of birth: 18/08/1999
Heritage number: 1092
Height: 6ft 2
Weight: 113.1kg
Previous club: Wigan Academy (Cadishead Rhinos)
Representative honours: Ireland
Wigan Debut: vs Hull FC (H), prop forward (sub) (scored one try), lost 22-23 at the DW Stadium, 25/02/2019
Profile
A rising star in the forward line, Liam Byrne has excelled in the last few years and has become a serious contender for a consistent starter in Adrian Lam’s first team.
- The 19-year-old started his rugby league career at amateur club Cadishead Rhinos and was given a trial with Wigan, after impressing a local amateur coach at Wigan St. Judes ARLFC who informed the Warriors Academy about him.
- Whilst on trial he caught the train from Salford and cycled to training every morning to make it in on time.
- Stand-out performances for the Under-19s led to him being signed up permanently by the Warriors in 2017.
- He spent two years in the Academy and became a double Under-19s Grand Final winner.
- Was awarded the 2018 Wigan Warriors Official Supporters Club ‘Riversiders’ Player of the Year.
- Previously played for the Wigan Reserves and Championship side Swinton Lions on dual-registration.
- After spending pre-season with the first team, Byrne made his Wigan debut at the end of February and scored his first try for the Club against Hull FC at the DW Stadium.
- Overall in 2019, he made 14 appearances under Adrian Lam and became a real force in Wigan’s forward pack.
- Internationally, Byrne has a Ireland heritage and has previously played in the 2018 European Championships. More recently, he featured in World Cup qualifier matches for the Irish at the end of 2019 – helping his side to reach the 2021 tournament with a victory over Italy.
- Ahead of the 2020 campaign, he was given the No.20 jersey, highlighting his progress within the Warriors first team.
- Signed a new four-year deal at the end of January 2020 to remain at the DW Stadium until 2023.
Player Sponsor - Northbank Demolition
