Wigan Warriors complete shock double transfer raid of St Helens

[josie andrews]

Exclusive: The Warriors have secured deals for two St Helens players heading into 2026.

Wigan Warriors have completed a double raid of St Helens to sign two of their young talents. All Out Rugby League can reveal that the Super League champions have secured deals for Jonny Vaughan and Dayon Sambou in deals that kickstart their recruitment drive for the 2026 season.

In a rare instance of players directly swapping allegiances between the two long-standing rivals, both Vaughan and Sambou will link up with Matt Peet's squad next year after they made their moves for the Saints youngsters, who are both in the final year of their contracts.

The new rules put in place, which allow clubs to negotiate deals with off-contract players once they've entered the final 12 months of their deals, saw Wigan make their move early and secure a double boost to their future plans in deals that will delight supporters by their nature.

Both have come through the Saints academy, with Vaughan making his first-team breakthrough last year after being given his debut by Paul Wellens. Vaughan, a lifelong Saints fan who joined the club at the age of 14, made eight appearances last year. The 19-year-old has predominantly played centre but also in the back-row.

Sambou, also 19, is an outside back who joined Saints as a scholar. After impressing in pre-season, scoring an eye-catching solo try in a trial game against Salford, he suffered a serious hamstring injury that prevented him from playing last year.

The Warriors are expected to keep their recruitment to a minimum again heading into 2026 but recruiting younger talent is thought to be a focus, with the captures of Vaughan and Sambou reiterating that intention. And of course, the fact they have been able to lure two players from their rivals will be of great satisfaction to the Warriors.

As for Saints, they have a significant list of off-contract players heading into the season though have already started to go through that process after re-signing George Delaney to a new contract. Further contract extensions are understood to be close to completion or even done, with the likes of Harry Robertson naturally of key importance to the club.

Interestingly, it was Robertson was given the nod by Wellens to start at centre during the club's pre-season trial game against Salford last month, with Vaughan and Sambou both named on the bench. Robertson scored Saints' opening try in the game.

https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/new ... ble-951076

[Superb Chops]

Smart signings, according to the Saints academy coach quoted last month...

The likes of Dayon Sambou and Jonny Vaughan are in their second year.

You look at them in pre-season and they really look the part and are used to playing at that speed and intensity.

https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/sport/24 ... er-league/

[josie andrews]

WARRIORSWigan Warriors news as ‘shock transfer’ leads to mocking of St Helens fans

Wigan Warriors have reportedly snapped up a double deal as we edge closer to the new Super League season.

While this agreement is not expected to be completed until the start of the 2026 season, All Out League reported that Wigan Warriors have captured ‘two young talents’ from St Helens.

Starlets Jonny Vaughan and Dayon Sambou are said to have put pen to paper, both from 2026 onwards. Both players are believed to be out of contract at the end of the 2025 campaign.

Deals between the Lancashire rivals don’t often happen, and it’s safe to say that the development has sparked reaction aplenty from fans. Here’s some of the best of it below.

Michael Lavelle: Saints fans this evening (with a picture of Paul Wellens aghast).

Gary Ormiston: This is really surprising, don’t often see direct trade between the clubs, we all remember when the boards of each didn’t get on and Higham had to go via Bradford.

Robbo: Vaughan is a perfect Isa replacement in the squad. Could be a massive signing.

Jon Winter: Worrying times for the Wellens led St Helens club.

Bradley Asquith: Always liked the look of that Sambou.

Johnny Gordon: It all sounds rather chaotic at @Saints1890.

Alex Marsh: Can’t believe we’ve let them go, especially to Wigan, but we better be getting someone in to replace them.

Saint Philip: Jonny Vaughan I’m gutted about. I thought he’d be a good solid second row for 2026. That’s a blow.


https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... ns-101202/

[Blackpool_Pie]

Saints fans having a meltdown on twitter is amazing

[josie andrews]

Must be the new academy coaches influence, Matty Smith, ex St Helens assistant first team coach & women’s SL & now academy coach here at Wigan

[ancientnloyal]

Saints are in a dire situation. They’ve been negotiating contracts via WhatsApp believe it or not whereas Wigan spoke face to face to Vaughn, for example. Done properly. Peet suggested he would be a successor to Farrell in four years time too.

Knowles apparently on his way too

[Charriots Offiah]

Saints are in a dire situation. They’ve been negotiating contracts via WhatsApp believe it or not whereas Wigan spoke face to face to Vaughn, for example. Done properly. Peet suggested he would be a successor to Farrell in four years time too.

Knowles apparently on his way too

Let’s not grieve too long

[Charriots Offiah]

Must be the new academy coaches influence, Matty Smith, ex St Helens assistant first team coach & women’s SL & now academy coach here at Wigan

I spoke with Matty at the pre-season dinner and he told me that the way Wigan do things is on a higher level all across the club.

[josie andrews]

Must be the new academy coaches influence, Matty Smith, ex St Helens assistant first team coach & women’s SL & now academy coach here at Wigan

I spoke with Matty at the pre-season dinner and he told me that the way Wigan do things is on a higher level all across the club.

I know, he’s said that to me before. I’ve been friends with him & his wife since he was here last. He told me he was coming back a couple of days before the Grand Final but my lips were sealed

[Charriots Offiah]

Must be the new academy coaches influence, Matty Smith, ex St Helens assistant first team coach & women’s SL & now academy coach here at Wigan

I spoke with Matty at the pre-season dinner and he told me that the way Wigan do things is on a higher level all across the club.

I know, he’s said that to me before. I’ve been friends with him & his wife since he was here last. He told me he was coming back a couple of days before the Grand Final but my lips were sealed

Well done keeping the secret.