Wigan Warriors have appointed former Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire as their new head coach to replace Brian Noble.

Maguire, who at just 35 will be one of the youngest head coaches in professional rugby league, has signed a three-year contract at the DW Stadium.

And Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan said he is "delighted to have secured the services" of Maguire, who was a major part of the Storm backroom staff that guided the team to four successive NRL Grand Finals between 2006 and 2009 and two titles in 2007 and 2009.

"He is one of the most highly-rated young coaches in the world game with particular expertise in bringing young players through successfully into first grade rugby league," Lenagan explained.

"He has learned under a master coach, Craig Bellamy, at Melbourne Storm and part of his role at Wigan is to develop a hierarchy of excellent future coaches for the club.

"Michael has impressed me with his abilities as a coach, conditioner and teacher and with his enthusiasm to be given this opportunity with Wigan in Super League."

Maguire described the appointment as "a wonderful opportunity".

"I am thrilled to have been asked to become head coach at the world-famous Wigan Warriors," he said.

"Wigan has some great structures in place, particularly with the development of young quality players through their ranks.

"I have spoken to many people in the game and everyone has good things to say about Wigan.

"I feel that the Warriors are certainly heading in the right direction and I can’t wait to get started."

Maguire will be assisted by former Wigan reserves coach Shaun Wane, with the Australian arriving in England in the next few weeks to begin preparations for the 2010 season.

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