Rugby League giants Wigan Warriors and English Rugby Union champions Saracens have announced a historic partnership between the two clubs, incorporating co- operation between the respective coaching teams and academies, player loans and a cross-code match.

The association between the most successful club in English Rugby League and the current Premiership Rugby Union champions is founded on a shared desire to innovate, to grow and push boundaries on and off the field.

Joel Tomkins, 24, Wigan and England, will join Saracens with immediate effect.

The centre said: "I will always be a proud Wiganer, but everybody in Rugby Union and Rugby League can see there is something very special happening at Saracens, and I can't wait to be part of it."

Ian Lenagan, Chairman of Wigan Warriors, said: "Joel wished to move to the South of England and take his chance at Rugby Union. Wigan would not step in the way of a player with such clear ideas to leave. He is joining an excellent club in Saracens.

"Wigan has grown close with Saracens through these and previous discussions and we are delighted and excited by the partnership between Wigan and Saracens we are announcing today. Both games have their own place separately but the synergy available from these two leading clubs working together is exceptional."

Nigel Wray, chairman of Saracens, said: "Wigan are a fantastic rugby club with a fantastic worldwide reputation, and we are really excited by the potential of this partnership as we share resources and knowledge to ensure each club is able to maximise its potential on and off the field."