Iain Thornley
English rugby league and rugby union footballer
About Iain Thornley
Born 1991. Iain Thornley is a rugby league player and rugby union player.
Iain Thornley (born 11 September 1991) is an English rugby league footballer who plays as a and er for Oldham in the RFL Championship.
He previously played for the Wigan Warriors in the Super League, and on loan from Wigan at the South Wales Scorpions in Championship 1, Leigh and Workington Town in the Championship and the Salford Red Devils in the Super League. Thornley has also played for Hull Kingston Rovers and the Catalans Dragons in the top flight.
Between 2009 and 2012 Thornley played rugby union with the Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie.
Background Thornley was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England.
Career Signed to Wigan as a teenager he was selected for the England Academy side but at age 18, he switched codes to Rugby Union to join Sale Sharks. After two seasons Thornley rejoined Wigan on a three-year contract. He played in the 2013 Challenge Cup Final victory over Hull F.C. at Wembley Stadium. He played in the 2013 Super League Grand Final victory over the Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford.
Wigan (re-join) On 17 November 2021, it was reported that he had signed for Wigan Warriors in the Super League On 28 May 2022, he played for Wigan in their 2022 Challenge Cup Final victory over Huddersfield. In round 11 of the 2023 Super League season, Thornley made his first appearance for Wigan in eleven months and scored two tries for the club in their 14-10 loss against Hull F.C.
Wakefield Trinity On 25 October 2023, it was confirmed that he would join Wakefield Trinity for the 2024 season on a one-year deal.
Oldham RLFC On 12 November 2024, it was reported that he had signed for Oldham RLFC in the RFL Championship on a two-year deal.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Iain Thornley's
Frequently asked questions
Who is Iain Thornley?
English rugby league and rugby union footballer
When was Iain Thornley born?
Iain Thornley was born on 11 September 1991 in Wigan.
What is Iain Thornley's occupation?
Iain Thornley is a rugby league player and rugby union player.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Iain Thornley. https://biography.guide/iain-thornley/
MLA: "Iain Thornley." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/iain-thornley/.
Chicago: "Iain Thornley." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/iain-thornley/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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