Wigan Warriors owner Ian Lenagan has lost his battle to keep star player Joel Tomkins - but insists Super League clubs can hold their own in the transfer war with rugby union.

Tomkins, who signed a five-year deal with Wigan only 12 months ago, is set to join union giants Saracens.

His departure will be a big blow for new Warriors coach Shaun Wane – who was confirmed as the departing Michael Maguire’s replacement yesterday – but Lenagan believes enough talent is emerging to soften the impact.

Wigan will be compensated for losing the young back-rower and, while Tomkins will land a superior contract at Saracens, Lenagan believes Wigan and other top RL clubs can battle on against cross-code rivals that operate under a much higher salary cap.

Strengths

Lenagan, who named Iestyn Harris as Wane’s assistant, said: “We have nothing to fear from rugby union if we learn from their strengths.

“I’ve seen how the rugby union clubs operate. We at Wigan, for instance, are stronger on and off the field than we were two years ago when Michael Maguire took charge.

“Shaun Wane now takes over and Iestyn will be his assistant. Their job is to continue what Michael Maguire has started. We are not expecting to see major change. We need to improve upon but we are entirely comfortable with a British coaching team. It was a straightforward decision and we did not want to disrupt the season with an early announcement.

“I’m absolutely delighted that a man like Shaun Wane who has put so much into the club is now coach.”

While union continues to have greater financial pulling power, Lenegan is delighted that fresh talent is coming through the league ranks.

“All our teams will play the same way – we have youngsters like Joe Mellor who are clear candidates for the first-team squad while Rocky Hampshire and George Williams will be future stars.”

Former Warriors player Wane has signed a two-year contract, with an option for a third season.

The former Great Britain international was the full-time assistant to Maguire, who has returned to Australia after two successful years in charge of the Warriors to become head coach of South Sydney.

“I am really pleased with the way things have worked out,” Wane said. “It’s something I’ve dreamt of and now I have got the chance. I’m going to make sure I make the best of it.”

Former dual-code international Iestyn Harris, who stepped down as Crusaders head coach following their withdrawal from Super League, has been appointed Wane’s assistant.

Another former Great Britain international, Paul Deacon, was also confirmed on Wigan’s full-time sbackroom staff after announcing his retirement as a player.

Wane is the club’s first Wigan-born coach since the late Mike Gregory held the role in 2004 and forms an all-British backroom team, with Mark Bitcon and Kris Radlinksi also on board.

The 47-year-old Wane made more than 150 appearances for Wigan and was a member of their World Club Challenge-winning team of 1987. He initially rejoined the club as under-18s coach in 2003 and was reserve coach up to his appointment as Maguire’s number two in 2009.

Harris has also signed a two-year contract with an option for a third while Deacon is working under an initial three-year deal.

Harris, who will take up his role at Wigan after completing his commitments with Wales in the Four Nations Series, said: “I am thrilled to join such a prestigious club as Wigan.

“I was obviously disappointed how things ended at Crusaders but that is now in the past and I am concentrating on my commitments with Wales and then to the start of pre-season with Wigan.

“It is a really exciting time for me in my career.”

Lenagan was tight-lipped on speculation linking former Crusaders centre Gareth Thomas with a move to Wigan.

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