New Wigan chairman lifts lid on swapping club doctor duties for boardroom
Chris Brookes admits it’s surreal swapping matchday doctor duties for life in Wigan’s boardroom.
The charismatic Professor Brookes has been on the touchline for the Super League champions for almost two decades.
Before that, he was Bradford Bulls’ doctor in their heyday and also worked for Salford as well as England, Great Britain and the RFL.
But after taking over as Wigan chairman this month, it means something had to give.
He said: “I’ve had 28 years in the game working as a doctor.
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“I’m really proud of what I’ve done at Salford, Bradford and 17 years here at Wigan.
“But with the opportunity now to be the chairman at Wigan, I had a choice to make.
“Being chairman is a privilege but it’s a busy and prestigious job, too, and one I want to give my all to.
“It’s not right that the chairman of Wigan Warriors is also its on-field doctor.
“Although the players have said perhaps I’ll be upstairs in that boardroom wearing my suit and tie on top - with shorts and socks underneath!”
Brookes worked as a medical director in an NHS Trust before retiring last year and is excited by the challenge of taking the helm of one of the world’s most famous rugby league clubs.
He replaces Ian Lenagan whose own decorated long-term chairmanship came to a close with local billionaire Mike Danson buying out the club.
Brookes, added to the RFL’s Roll of Honour alongside Sheffield’s RL development officer Andrea Dobson this week, conceded: “It will be very different for me. I’ve spoken to Kris Radlinski who had to make a similar change when he moved from director of rugby to CEO.
Wigan were crowned Super League champions in 2023 (Getty Images)“It will be strange because I’m used to going into the dressing room, being a part of that, supporting the performance staff and the players, and being very close to it all.
“But my environment will be very different now in the boardroom, with the fans, in the lounges and representing the club in an entirely different way.
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“I’ll be there to support them if any colleague wants the benefit of my experience and I’ll keep my hand in by doing the occasional game for the academy or the women’s team.
“But as chairman there has to be that separation. I want to build on the fantastic work Ian's done, become the most inclusive club possible and build on the deep roots we already have in the community to help reduce inequality, with particular focus on mental health.”
Brookes added: “I want to thank all the players. What an absolute privilege it’s been to look after them from academy to first team.
“I’ve some great memories. But now is the right time to hand over the baton.”
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