John Holdsworth

Wigan Warriors send their sincere condolences to Marlene and the family and friends of former referee John Holdsworth, who has died at the age of 76.

John was one of the sport’s leading officials through the 1980s and 1990s, taking charge of many major matches including two Challenge Cup Finals at Wembley (including the 1990 final between Wigan and Warrington), a record six Premiership Finals between 1981-93, and the first World Club Challenge between Wigan and Manly at Central Park in 1987 – when he dismissed the Manly forward Ronnie Gibbs for a late hit on Joe Lydon. He also officiated in the game between Wigan and Warrington in Milwaukee.

John retired as a referee in 1995 after 17 seasons on the Grade 1 list, but remained involved in the game with a number of roles including match commissioner and mentoring future generations of officials.

Shaun Wane said: “This is very sad news.  John was a great man and an outstanding official, he actually made games better which is a great skill for a referee.”