World darts sensation Luke Littler couldn’t hide his delight after his boyhood rugby team, Warrington Wolves, renamed their stadium after him for one night only
Luke Littler admitted it was a “very special night” to have the stadium of his beloved Warrington Wolves named after him.
The darts sensation, 18, was honoured by his hometown rugby league club on Friday night as The Halliwell Jones Stadium was renamed The Luke Littler stadium for their match against Catalan Dragons.
Littler, the reigning PDC World champion, is a huge Warrington fan – and he admitted that the gesture was a dream come true given he’s often supporting the team in the stands.
Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, a beaming Littler said: “It means a lot. For myself, what I’ve done over the past 12, 18 months. The support from the lads and all the staff and everyone at Warrington Wolves. Tonight’s going to be a very special night.”
When Littler was asked why he supported Warrington Wolves, the teenager added: “This is where I grew up: it’s the local rugby team.
“I’ve been here for years, in the south stand, cheering the boys on next to the drum. To have the stadium named after me for one night only, it’s going to be a big night.”
He also touched on the impact he’s made across darts since bursting onto the world stage back in late 2023.
“It’s been crazy, the amount of youngsters and academies that have started up and down the country, even across Europe,” Littler said. “The impact I’ve had on darts has been crazy.”
Speaking earlier this week, Littler couldn’t hide his excitement at the prospect of seeing his name on the stadium he’s frequented so often.
He said: “I’m sure it’ll be a good night. I went to the first game of the season on Sunday and we got the win there. Hopefully I can bring the boys some more luck and we can get another one against Catalan.
“It was just good to get out and be stood with all the crazy lot. I wouldn’t say (it will feel better than Manchester United), but it will probably be one of the biggest atmospheres.
“What do I need to do to make (my) stadium naming rights permanent? Good question – I don’t think it should ever happen, unless it does become a thing in a few years’ time (by winning more world titles). All teams have got sponsorship deals and obviously that’s why it’s named The Halliwell Jones now.”