Former Wigan and Leigh player Brian Dunn passes away

Former Challenge Cup Finalist Brian Dunn who played in the brilliant final between Wigan and Hull FC in 1985 has sadly passed away.

A little over a week after his 60th birthday, Brian Dunn’s sad passing was confirmed by his former club Wigan where he is woven into their history after that Challenge Cup Final.

Wigan Warriors are saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Brian Dunn.

Our condolences go to Brian’s family and friends at this sad time.#WWRL pic.twitter.com/4TLVc4xJVc

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) March 24, 2023

The Warriors made the following touching tribute on their website:

“Wigan Warriors are saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Brian Dunn.
Brian Dunn was born on 16 March 1963 in St Helens, and played his amateur rugby league for Pilkington Recs prior to signing professional forms with Wigan.

“Ironically Dunn made his Wigan first-team debut against St Helens on 26 December 1982 at Knowsley Road which earned him his unique Heritage Number 793.

“Brian Dunn would go on to play a total of 50 games for Wigan over a three-year career and again would face his hometown club St Helens in his last game on 7 May 1985. Of his 50 games for Wigan, perhaps Brian’s most memorable will be the 1985 Challenge Cup Final against Hull at Wembley on 4 May 1985.

“Brian lined up in the second row for Wigan in what has since been labelled as perhaps the best Challenge Cup Final in the history of the competition, and proved to be Brian’s only major honour in a cherry and white shirt.

“Brian Dunn was a physically tough forward an attribute which earned him representative honours for Great Britain’s under-24s.

“Having played his last game for Wigan, Brian continued his career with Rochdale Hornets and Leigh prior to his retirement from the game.

“Brian Dunn will always be remembered by the Wigan fans for his contribution to that iconic 1985 Challenge Cup Final.

“Wigan Warriors send their condolences to Brian’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Leigh have also paid tribute to their former player:

“Leigh Leopards are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Dunn (HN#972). Brian was an immensely popular player among fellow players and supporters wherever he played and our sympathies are extended to his family and friends at this sad time.”