WIGAN and Leigh College’s rugby team enjoyed an emphatic 34-10 victory over local rivals St John Rigby to all but confirm the North West League One title.

This adds to an already fantastic season for the Leigh-based side who have won all nine league games to date, posting more than 50 points in five of their encounters.

However, the season’s highlight has been seeing two college students, Jack Hansen and Elliot Liku-Downs, signing professional contracts with Leigh Centurions.

The pair recently enjoyed their debuts for Centurions in a 42-22 pre-season victory over North Wales Crusaders in front of 1,359 fans at Leigh Sports Village.

Both aged 18, Jack and Elliot will finish their studies at the college but are ineligible to feature in the side’s final few games.

Rugby development coach Gareth Hayes said: “It is great to see two students progress into the professional ranks.

“Our Centre of Sporting Excellence is designed to help nurture top talent in their respective sports whilst providing them with the qualifications necessary for employment or higher education.”

Meanwhile, with the side proving so dominant this season, a position in the country’s Elite League could be a possibility next season.

Hayes added: “We are aiming to play in the Elite League next year to test ourselves against the best colleges in the country.

“Firstly, we must finish the league season unbeaten to cap off a great year for the team.”

To find out more about the college’s Centre of Sporting Excellence, visit their Open Day on Saturday March 14, 10.30am-1.30pm at Parson’s Walk Centre in Wigan.