Have Wigan ever been known as Wigan R F C ?

Wigan RLFC

It was originally Wigan FC, and I know of both Wigan RLFC and WWRLFC, but Bilko's probably your man to know whether there were ever any other names.

Thanks for your replies

I would imagine it goes back to pre 1895. Lots of union clubs are RFC only after the rebellion did the need to add L and U to clubs arise to differentiate. They probably changed it shorty after the break away of the northern union.

I've only ever known it as Wigan RLFC

of course you have sunshine. you would have to be 119yrs old to have been around when it was common parlance.

The club in its current form was incorporated in 1921 and has only ever had two names from a legal perspective:

1921 to 2008 - WIGAN FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED
2008 onwards - WIGAN RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB LIMITED

The term "Rugby League" only came in around after the first war in 1921. Before then the sport was known as "Northern Union" and it was a while further before that phrase got phased out and "Rugby League" opted in press reports. So Wigan RFC is a legacy of the fact we started as a Rugby Union team and "Rugby League" as a term only adopted much late. Also, It's often said that Rugby League was born in 1895 but it was more really at the start of 1906-07 because that is when playing sides were reduced from 15 to 13 and we abandoned rucks and mauls.

Cheers for every ones contributions


Here`s why I`m asking.


There is no date to this info but I`m guessing 50 s` /60 `s

Geoffrey Melling 19 year old roll turner plays centre - three quarter for the Cadishead & Irlam Rugby League Team and is this seasons leading try scorer.He has signed amateur forms for Wigan RFC and has already represented Lancashire against Yorkshire at Headingley,and has been selected to play for Lancashire against Cumberland.A good game in this match could ensure him a place in the England Team to meet France later in the season.

Any additional info or a pointers would be appreciated.