 in 1950, replacing several locations previously used by the club, including Kitt Green and Abbey Lakes, both areas within Orrell.Orrell RUFC were once a successful rugby union team, but the advent of professionalism saw them struggle to return to the Guinness Premiership following their relegation in 1997.With mounting debt, the club was sold to Dave Whelan, then owner of Wigan Warriors and current Wigan Athletic chairman.