Wigan Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan has hailed the club’s achievement after a record crowd watched Saturday’s 42-16 triumph over Catalan Dragons at The Den.

A crowd of 8,101 came through the turnstiles at the home of Millwall to see Wigan secure the win, the biggest attendance for a Super League game in London for nine years.

The Warriors took a Super Eights game on the road to the capital after announcing the fixture at the end of July.

Lenagan said: “It was ambitious and we faced a number of voices doubting the strategy but we like a challenge at Wigan and have a fantastic team that left no stone unturned in their attempts to promote this game, the profile of the club and to reach the people of London.

“A strong marketing campaign saw the game featured in a wide range of London publications and online, while it was also great to see extensive Wigan Warriors branding at London Bridge train station, throughout the stadium and around the capital.

“The response after the game personally to Wigan directors and staff and via social media from the non-rugby league spectators who attended was highly complementary with many relishing another live game next year.” 

The Wigan chairman was clearly satisfied with the big turnout.

Lenagan explained: “This game has shown that there is a very clear interest in rugby league in London, as we thought.

“Initial estimates indicate 3,500 fans travelling down from Wigan, 2,000 Wigan and general rugby league fans from the south-east and around 2,500 non-rugby league attendees interested in seeing a live game.

“Also among the crowd were a large number of new fans from the Wigan Warriors Business Club and from attendees at the community rugby camps held around London this summer, in addition to the presence of football fans and fans of other sports.

“The day was a success on the field too with the Wigan team recording another fine victory to maintain their 100 percent home record and secure a place in the Super League semi-finals.”

Lenagan was also keen to praise Saturday’s hosts.

“Our thanks go particularly to Millwall Football Club for their professionalism and support in hosting the event at their excellent stadium,” he added.