Salford Red Devils and Great Britain legend Tom Danby passes away
SALFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: A general view inside the stadium prior to the Betfred Challenge Cup match between Salford Red Devils and Widnes Vikings at AJ Bell Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Salford, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Rugby League has lost another of its legends.
Former Salford Red Devils winger Tom Danby played both rugby league and rugby union.
He figured for Harlequins in the late 1940s and represented England in rugby union prior to joining Salford.
He scored 61 tries in 174 appearances for the then City Reds and represented both ENgland and Great Britian.
He was Salford’s first ever England rugby union recruit having played against Wales in January 1949 prior to playing against the likes of Australia and New Zealand in rugby league.
Danby sadly passed away at the age of 96 on Boxing Day and will always be remembered for his 34 tries in 18 games in the 1950 tour including six in one game as the GB Lions stated on Twitter as they paid tribute to him:
“We are saddened to hear of the death of our oldest member, Lion number 180 Tom Danby, who passed away on Boxing Day at his home in East Sussex. Tom was 96. The Salford Red Devils winger was top try-scorer on the 1950 tour with 34 tries in 18 appearances, including 6 vs Wide Bay.”
We are saddened to hear of the death of our oldest member, Lion number 180 Tom Danby, who passed away on Boxing Day at his home in East Sussex. Tom was 96.
The @SalfordDevils winger was top try-scorer on the 1950 tour with 34 tries in 18 appearances, inc 6 vs Wide Bay. pic.twitter.com/NyNAEfSMag— Rugby League Lions (@RL_Lions) January 3, 2023
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this no doubt difficult time for all who knew and loved him.