In Memoriam: David Willicombe

Wigan Warriors are saddened to learn of the passing of former player, David Willicombe.

It is with great sadness that Wigan Warriors learned of the passing of former player David Willicombe aged 72 following a short illness.

David was born on 11 March 1951 in Hannah Street, Butetown, Cardiff.

Like most young boys from Cardiff David learned his rugby playing union at St Illtyd’s High School in Rumney Cardiff, turning out for Cardiff Schools, then open age at the Cardiff International Atheltic Club (CIACS).

The CIAC’s is perhaps one of the most famous clubs in Wales based in Tiger Bay starting out in 1946 to embrace all races and religions reflecting the make-up of the local population.

The CIAC’s not only developed the rugby talent of David Willicombe but other famous rugby legends such as Billy Boston, Johnny Freeman, and Colin Dixon also came through the ranks and made their mark in the professional game.

David left his native South Wales and turned professional with Halifax as an 18-year-old, before signing for Wigan in 1974.

Willicombe made his Wigan debut on 2 February 1974 in a Challenge Cup First Round tie at Central Park Wigan v Lock Lane after the Castleford amateurs gave up home advantage.

Wigan won the game comfortably by 37 points to 9 with Willicombe becoming one of only 8 players to score a Hat Trick or more tries on their debut for the Cherry and Whites.

David Willicombe following his debut would go on to make 119 appearances for Wigan scoring 36 Tries, and 6 Goals with a total of 120 points over a 7-year period with the club.

David played in two Lancashire Cup Finals for Wigan in 1977 and 1980 sadly losing out to Workington Town and Warrington respectively.

David’s final game for Wigan was on the 12 October 1980 again at Central Park against Hunslet, and he played his part in helping the Riversiders to promotion from the old Second Division finishing a close second behind Champions York.

Willicombe won 13 caps for Wales with two of his three tries coming during the 1975 World Championship, he was the youngest member of Wales’ 1975 Rugby League World Championship side, and starred in the famous “Battle of Brisbane” match where Wales beat England 12-7.

He also represented Great Britain at centre on three occasions and went on the 1974 tour to Australia and New Zealand, featuring in the 20 points to 0 win over the Kiwis in Auckland. He scored three full international tries for Wales and two for Great Britain.

David retired from the game of rugby league in 1980, where he later ran several pubs in and around the Wigan area, as well as working as an electrician. David returned to engineering in Manchester before retiring in 2015.

David Willicombe was an outstanding centre for the CIACS in rugby union, Halifax, Wigan, Great Britain, and Wales Rugby League, his contributions to the clubs and the game, in general, will never be forgotten.

Wigan Warriors send their condolences go to David’s wife Yvonne, along with their children, grandchildren and friends.