Wigan Warriors Recognized as BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year

The Wigan Warriors, a dominant force in rugby league, have been recognized as the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year for 2024. The team demonstrated unparalleled dominance in men’s rugby league during the year, securing every significant trophy they competed for. Under coach Matt Peet, the side achieved a quadruple, claiming the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Grand Final titles. This accomplishment marked the first time in 30 years that Wigan had replicated the achievement of their 1994 team, which also won every major honor in a single season. Since 2022, Peet has guided Wigan to seven major trophy victories, despite having managed fewer than 100 games. Speaking on BBC One, Peet stated: “It’s a great honour to receive this award – Wigan have a history with this trophy.” He added, “The club is in good shape, we are very connected and it starts at the top with Kris [Radlinski] the CEO.” Peet further expressed, “We want success and we have big ambition.” Concluding his remarks, he said, “We try represent the town as best we can and we look how we can help our supporters – it is a great honour and a privilege to work with these guys.” The Warriors’ remarkable year commenced in February with their 16-12 victory over Australian champions Penrith Panthers in Wigan during the World Club Challenge. This win represented Wigan’s fifth triumph in the annual event, establishing them as the English side with the most victories and placing them in a joint record with the Sydney Roosters. Their second significant title was secured in June, as Wigan defeated Warrington Wolves 18-8 at Wembley to claim the Challenge Cup. Subsequently, Wigan clinched the League Leaders’ Shield by topping the Super League standings, having won 22 out of their 27 regular-season matches. Progressing to the play-offs, they first decisively defeated Leigh 38-0, then went on to beat Hull KR 9-2 in the final at Old Trafford, thereby being crowned Grand Final champions and quadruple winners. Wigan is now the second consecutive club from England’s north west region to receive the Sports Personality Team of the Year trophy, succeeding Premier League champions Manchester City, who won in 2023.