Michael McIlorum

Michael McIlorum (born 10 January 1988) is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played as a for Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League. He was both an Ireland and England international.

He had played his entire professional career with the Wigan Warriors in the Super League, prior to his move to the South of France.

The following year McIlorum played for Wigan from the substitutes' bench in the 2011 Challenge Cup Final victory over the Leeds Rhinos at Wembley Stadium.

He played in the 2013 Challenge Cup Final victory over Hull F.C. at Wembley Stadium.

Wigan reached the 2013 Super League Grand Final, and McIlorum was selected to play at hooker, scoring a try in their victory against the Warrington club at Old Trafford.

He played in the 2015 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Leeds side at Old Trafford.

In the 2016 World Club Series against Brisbane, McIlorum suffered a serious ankle injury, and did not play again for the rest of the 2016 season.

He played in the 2017 Challenge Cup Final defeat by Hull F.C. at Wembley Stadium.

Catalans Dragons In January 2018, McIlorum signed a two-year deal with the Catalans Dragons.

He played in the 2018 Challenge Cup Final victory over the Warrington club at Wembley Stadium.

In the 2020 season, he played in the club's elimination final victory over Leeds but was placed on report during the game. He was later suspended for six matches after pleading guilty to two charges of a dangerous high tackle and other contrary conduct.

On 9 October 2021, he played for Catalans in their 2021 Super League Grand Final defeat against St. Helens. On 14 October 2023, McIlorum played in Catalans 2023 Super League Grand Final loss against Wigan.

On 25 September 2025, it was announced that McIlorum would return to the Dragons as an assistant Coach, alongside former teammate Mitchell Pierce.

Hull Kingston Rovers On 18 July 2024 it was reported that he had signed for Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League on a one-year deal. On 7 June 2025, he played in Hull Kingston Rovers 8-6 Challenge Cup final victory over Warrington. It was the clubs first major trophy in 40 years. On 18 September 2025, Hull Kingston Rovers won the League Leaders Shield in victory over Warrington, McIlorum played a part in Hull Kingston Rovers 1st place season. On 25 September 2025, it was reported that he had decided to retire. On 9 October 2025, he played in Hull Kingston Rovers 2025 Super League Grand Final victory over Wigan.

International career Ireland Being from Irish heritage, McIlorum was named in the Ireland squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

After not being selected to play for England again after the 2013 World Cup, McIlorum changed his international allegiance back to Ireland in 2017 and was named in their 2017 World Cup squad.

England In 2012 McIlorum changed his international allegiance to England and made his England début in the 2012 Autumn International Series against Wales playing at hooker. The following year he was selected as part of England's squad for their 2013 World Cup campaign.

Nine years after his last Test cap for England, he was named in the team's 24-man squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Career stats

Honours Super League (3): 2010, 2013, 2025 Challenge Cup (4): 2011, 2013, 2018, 2025