Wigan Warriors have dropped another surprise in their 2026 partnership with Derian House Children’s Hospice – and it’s something fans will definitely want in their collection.

After months of keeping it under wraps, the club has unveiled a special-edition third kit warm-up jersey designed by a group of Derian House’s own young people.

This week, those young designers were treated to a surprise they’ll never forget. The Wigan Warriors walked through the hospice doors, and one by one, unzipped their hoodies to reveal the bold new design for the first time – to smiles and cheers.

During an exclusive workshop last year, the young designers shared their ideas, favourite colours, sketches and personal stories, weaving everything together into a kit that reflects both the spirit of the hospice and their own individuality.

During their surprise visit, the Wigan Warriors players – centre, Adam Keighran, and scrum-half, Harry Smith – chatted with the young people who had designed the jersey, posed for photos, and even had a go at singing karaoke with everyone.

“I feel glad and proud of myself that I’ve designed something that’s going to be on a Wigan Warriors’ shirt,” said Liam, 23, of Wigan.

“I wanted to add things from Wigan, because I’m from Wigan. So we added a pie! I thought the design looked fabulous on the shirt. I loved helping design the kit – picking the colours and adding our own ideas. It feels amazing knowing the players will wear something we created, and seeing it makes you feel part of the team.”

“I do like that they decided to include everyone’s design, I thought that was really cool,” said Evan, 18, also of Wigan.

“And on my design I had actually spilled a bit of water, and they even designed it with that still on. It just means a lot that Wigan Warriors themselves actually asked me and the others to design one of the shirts. It felt good to be contributing to something. When they came to surprise us in the shirts, they told us they liked it.”

Watch the moment the kit was revealed to the young people at Derian House.

The vibrant jersey, in dark green, is packed with personality and will be worn by the Warriors squad during pre-match training throughout the 2026 season, giving the young people a chance to see their ideas brought to life on the pitch.

The jersey is now available in-store at Robin Park Arena and online via the Wigan Warriors shop.

Wigan Warriors centre, Adam Keighran, said: “I think it’s pretty special, to be able to present to the young people at Derian House what they have presented to us. For us to put on the shirt and see their reactions was amazing. It’s something they can cherish and tell their families, friends, everyone that they’ve put their stamp on this. The shirt will get showcased on the field, and televised. So I think it’s a fantastic initiative from the club.”

Wigan Warriors scrum-half, Harry Smith, said: “This partnership shows exactly what it means to be one of the Warriors. It’s not just about playing rugby, it’s about building real connections with our community and supporting each other. The memories the young people will get from this will last a long time.”

While the Warriors’ matchday charity kit – Holly’s Kit – captured headlines with its “buy it before you see it” launch, this newly released warm-up kit gives fans another opportunity to back the cause and show their support for Derian House.

Derian House Chief Executive, Karen Edwards OBE, said giving the young people ownership of the project means the world to them: “Everyone at Derian House has a story, and our young people have put their hearts and souls – and lots of creativity – into this project. Seeing their designs come to life is incredible, and wearing it makes you feel part of something bigger.

“Fans who pick up a shirt aren’t just buying a kit – they’re supporting these young people and the amazing work Derian House does.”

The warm-up shirt forms part of a wider partnership that will see fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns and a dedicated Derian House fixture later in the season.

Derian House currently supports 58 children and families from the Wigan area and more than 400 across the North West, providing specialist respite, palliative and end-of-life care, as well as emotional and practical support for families at no cost.

Kris Radlinski, Chief Executive at Wigan Warriors, added: “This kit perfectly sums up what this club is about – community, trust, and giving back. It’s about fans standing with families, celebrating creativity, and showing support in a tangible way. And seeing the young designers’ work on the pitch will be absolutely inspiring.”