Dave Bolton: Wigan rugby league 'legend' dies aged 83
- Published
image copyrightWigan ObserverA rugby league star who was one of the first British players to enjoy success in Australia has died at the age of 83.
Dave Bolton, who made his Wigan Warriors debut in 1954, scored 127 tries in 300 games for his hometown club before joining Balmain Tigers in 1965.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) said his "career records speak for themselves".
Wigan Warriors said Bolton was a "Wigan and Great Britain legend".
"Our thoughts are with Dave's family and friends at this very sad time," the club added.
RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said Bolton "was one of the first British players to enjoy success in Australia".
"He won the Ashes with Great Britain, he won Challenge Cups and the Championship with Wigan," he said.
"We give thanks for his life and his contribution to Rugby League."
It is with great sadness we learn the passing of Wigan and Great Britain legend, Dave Bolton.
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) January 22, 2021
The former stand-off, who made 300 appearances for the Club, has died at the age of 83.
Our thoughts are with Dave’s family and friends at this very sad time.
Picture: Wigan Observer pic.twitter.com/vf23ZPzGTZ
After joining Balmain Tigers in Australia, Bolton was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal retrospectively for the 1969 Grand Final when Australian Rugby League celebrated its centenary in 2008.
He later moved into coaching with Parramatta and then went on to assist Tim Sheens at Penrith.
Bolton was inducted into the Balmain Tigers Hall of Fame in 2005.
#VALE - David Bolton Balmain Tigers are deeply saddened at the passing of #blackngold No 573, David Bolton.
— Balmain Tigers (@tigers1908) January 22, 2021
Bolton joined Balmain in 1965 from @WiganWarriorsRL, having made 300 appearances for the English powerhouse. pic.twitter.com/2hTSVJjcWr
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