In Memoriam: Dave Bolton

Wigan Warriors were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wigan and Great Britain legend Dave Bolton this week.

The former stand-off, who scored 127 tries in 300 appearances for his hometown club, has died at the age of 83.

Bolton played for Wigan between 1954 and 1964 and he made his debut for the Club in a 44-2 win against Keighley at Central Park, where he scored two tries.

He was a double Challenge Cup winner with Wigan at Wembley after victory over Workington Town in 1958 and then against Hull FC the following year, where he scored a try.

Bolton was also a league champion with Wigan after playing in the Championship Final win against Wakefield Trinity at Odsal in 1960.

He then moved to Australia in 1965 to join the Balmain Tigers, where he spent stayed for five years.

Becoming only the second Brit to win an Australian Premiership, Bolton was part of the 1969 Grand Final winning team and he was also Clive Churchill Medal winner. In 2005, he was inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame.

Bolton, who represented Great Britain eight times including the 1960 Ashes triumph, stayed in Australia after ending his career and had coaching stints at Parramatta and Penrith.

Everyone at Wigan Warriors sends their condolences to Dave’s family and friends. All our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.