Wigan Warriors Celebrate Diverse Roots in Challenge Cup Triumph
As Wigan Warriors savored their Challenge Cup final victory over Warrington, eagle-eyed viewers couldn’t help but notice the array of national flags adorning the celebrations in the Wembley sheds. Among them was the Stars and Stripes, representing the proud American heritage of prop Tyler Dupree.
Dupree’s maternal grandfather was the legendary blues singer “Champion Jack” Dupree, who hailed from New Orleans before settling in England. The player’s great uncle, Billy Joe Dupree, also etched his name in NFL history by winning the Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1978.
The diverse tapestry of the Wigan squad was on full display, with flags representing Lebanon (Abbas Miski), Samoa (Patrick Mago), Cameroon (Junior Nsemba & Sam Eseh), New Zealand’s Māori people (Tiaki Chan), Australia (Adam Keighran), and the Aboriginal people of Australia (Bevan French) all joining the English contingent.
“Until I had a few conversations with Willie Isa, I reckon I’ve sort of taken where my family’s from for granted,” the prop admitted. “I’m proud to play for England, but I’m also proud of my family’s heritage in America as well.”
The Halifax-born forward’s connection to his maternal grandfather’s legacy is a source of immense pride. “It is a story of adversity, my grandpa coming from slaves, and I know if he was still alive today, he’d be proud of me,” Dupree said. “So I just want to repay him by showing how proud I am of where he’s from as well.”
While Dupree is yet to visit his family’s American roots, he plans to do so in the future, eager to retrace his grandparents’ steps and immerse himself in the culture. “I’ve been to Florida, but my plan was to go to America and travel around and see where my family are actually from, go to New Orleans and places like that,” he revealed.
Dupree’s close relationship with his mother, Jackie, has been a driving force behind his successful rugby league career. “Everything I do, I do for my mum,” he said. “I work hard because I want to be able to repay my mum.”
As the Wigan powerhouse prop continues his international journey with England, he remains steadfast in his pride for both his country of birth and his family’s American heritage. “I’m proud to represent my country, and I’m proud to represent where I’m from,” Dupree concluded.
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