Oliver Gildart will leave Wigan Warriors at the end of the 2021 season to join Wests Tigers.

A product of the Wigan Academy, Gildart, 24, has been a Super League regular since 2016 – making 129 appearances and scoring 61 tries for his hometown club.

The Great Britain and England international is a double Super League winner with Wigan and was also part of the club’s World Club Challenge triumph in 2017.

Wigan Warriors executive director, Kris Radlinski, said: “Oliver has made it clear for a number of years that he has an NRL ambition. He has honoured his contact and has served the Club and the town tremendously well.

“Young players come to us at 14 years of age and you watch them transition into men. The development journey takes you through many highs and lows and there is always a sense of pride when they achieve their goals.

“Oliver should be very proud of what he has achieved at Wigan and in Super League. We wish him well in the next stages of his career and life.”

The perfect way to start the weekend!

Oliver Gildart confirmed to join Wests Tigers from the start of the 2022 season! 🐯

— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) May 28, 2021

Gildart said: “I’ve been living my childhood dream playing for my hometown club since the age of 11.

“I’ll never forget my debut try against Warrington and of course, it doesn’t get much better than playing in front of a packed Old Trafford and scoring a try in a Grand Final win.

“I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by legends year in year out at this Club who have helped me become the person l am today.

“However, it’s been no secret that I’ve wanted to challenge myself over in Australia. When Michael Maguire and his team showed interest, it became clear that Wests Tigers is where I want to be in the next stage of my career.

“I owe a lot of credit to my dad, Bill Ashurst and Alan Rimmer for pushing me on in my amateur days at Wigan St Pats.

“And a massive thanks to the fans. You have been outstanding through thick and thin. We can’t wait to have you back in the stands.

“With that said, there is unfinished business to take care of for Wigan this season.

“My priority is to get back to playing my best rugby in Cherry and White and finish the season off with another Grand Final ring in front of the fans.”