It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of one of Rugby’s finest. Des Seabrook has sadly passed away and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Di, Jonathon his son and his two grandchildren.

Des made his name as a player and a coach at our local neighbours, Orrell, where he was a driving force that took them to the highest echelons of the game.

More recently Des was involved in the juniors section at Wigan RUFC, where his experience helped his grandson’s team get to the top their own league and cup competitions. He was also awarded the ‘Unsung Stalwart of the Game’ award at the Rugby Union Writers dinner in London in 2017.

Of Des’ many achievements in the game, one stands out above all others, coaching ‘the North’ to a famous 21-9 victory over the All Blacks in 1979 with a side that included England legends, Dixon, Uttley, Beaumont, Neary and Cotton.

Farewell to a legend, he will be sadly missed.