Des Drummond: Rugby league mourns loss of life of former Nice Britain world winger | Rugby League Information

Des Drummond gained 24 caps for Nice Britain and lifted the Rugby League Championship trophy with Leigh in 1982; he additionally captained Warrington to Regal Trophy glory in 1991; the winger’s loss of life on the age was once introduced on Saturday and tributes poured in from throughout rugby league

Des Drummond, pictured lifting the Regal Trophy with Warrington in 1991, has died elderly 63

Rugby league has paid its respects to former Nice Britain winger Des Drummond, who has died on the age of 63.

Born in Jamaica, Drummond made his title at Leigh, incomes a freelance with the membership after he and his folks adopted brother Alva over to England.

He made 280 appearances for Leigh and gained the name with them in 1982, incomes his position in membership folklore and, following a brief spell in Australia enjoying for Western Suburbs, then moved to Warrington from the place he made an similarly spectacular have an effect on between 1987 and 1992.

The RFL led the tributes to Drummond, pronouncing the 24-cap Lion was once: “A participant whose brilliance, athleticism and character transcended the game”.

Former membership Leigh despatched their condolences to his friends and family, with chairman Mike Latham writing a non-public tribute to him at the Centurions’ web site reflecting his have an effect on off and on the sphere.

“Leigh Centurions are devastated to be informed of the passing of Des Drummond on the age of 63 and go on their trustworthy condolences to his friends and family at this extremely unhappy time,” Latham stated.

“Des was once a real celebrity of rugby league and considered one of Leigh’s all-time nice carrying heroes. He lit up the rugby pitch along with his explosive talents and rancid the sphere was once a humble and worrying one who possibly by no means realised simply how a lot of a hero he was once to such a lot of other folks.

“Des lit up our lives and at the moment, it looks like a gentle has simply been became off. He’s going to be remembered within the best regard and stories of his occupation will probably be passed down via generations. He in reality was once some of the all-time greats. However above all else, an exquisite individual.”

Drummond would cross directly to change into an all-time nice at Warrington too, captaining the aspect and successful the Regal Trophy in opposition to Bradford Northern in 1991.

“The membership is deeply surprised and saddened to listen to of the passing of former participant Des Drummond,” stated Warrington, who held a silence for Drummond forward in their pre-season pleasant with Wigan Warriors on Saturday.

Drummond additionally made a touch outdoor of rugby league, completing 2nd within the BBC collection ‘Superstars’ and posting a 100 metres time which might have certified him for the 1984 Olympics.

Go-code nice Jonathan Davies described Drummond as “one hell of a competitor and a most sensible man”, with different former golf equipment together with Barrow Raiders and Workington The city additionally paying their respects.

“We’re saddened to listen to of the passing of Des Drummond,” stated Barrow, who Drummond ended his occupation with in 1997. “Des graced our ranks within the overdue 90s and all over his occupation was once a in reality nice participant.”

Fellow Cumbrian membership Workington, who Drummond represented from 1992 to 1995 and helped win the Divisional Premiership at Outdated Trafford in 1994, added: “Our inner most condolences to the circle of relatives and lots of buddies of Des Drummond who has passed on to the great beyond.

“It was once a pleasure to observe you flying down the wing at Derwent Park. Relaxation in Peace marra.”