Wigan Warriors have signed veteran Welsh international Jordan James on a season-long deal.
The 33-year-old, who captained his country at the 2013 World Cup, spent last season with Salford before penning a contract to join Wigan’s backroom team and develop young Welsh talent. He had also agreed a two-year deal to join Championship One part-timers Gloucestershire All Golds.
“Obviously I was already on the coaching staff and, after the World Cup when I thought I did okay, my body still felt good,” said James.
“I approached Waney [Shaun Wane, Wigan coach] and I have to thank him for giving me an opportunity.
“No disrespect to the All Golds but I wasn’t ready to step down yet. I thought I had a good year at Salford, probably one of my better years in Super League.
“I’m going to be training full-time and coaching the Under-19s with John Winder and Matty Peet and hopefully trying to get down to south Wales once a month.”
Wigan coach Shaun Wane said: “He knocked on my door one day and said ‘I think I can still do it and I want a chance’.
“That took some bottle. But, at the back of my mind, I did want to get him.”
