It’s always sad when a former hero passes away that once wore the shirt of your team.
For Wigan Warriors fans, that sadness came through last night when the club announced that former player Bill Ashurst passed away aged 74.
The club tweeted: “Tonight, Wigan Warriors are devastated to hear of the passing of former player Bill Ashurst. Between 1968-1978, Ashurst made 185 appearances for his hometown Club and became a Harry Sunderland Trophy winner. All our thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Tonight, Wigan Warriors are devastated to hear of the passing of former player Bill Ashurst.
Between 1968-1978, Ashurst made 185 appearances for his hometown Club and became a Harry Sunderland Trophy winner.
All our thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/AWcCo42Db8
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) June 14, 2022
Ashurst, of course, is famous for being part of the Wigan side in the late 1960s and early 1970s, registering almost 500 points in 165 games.
A successful spell at Penrith Panthers soon followed with Ashurst – who could play at centre or second-row – registering another 46 appearances from 1974 to 1976.
A move back to the UK followed and it was back to where it all started – Wigan – before a seven-year spell at Wakefield Trinity came about.
He retired in 1984, but Ashurst hung up his playing boots for good after turning out for Runcorn Highfield as a player coach in 1988.
Throughout his career, the 74-year-old earned two caps for Lancashire and another three for Great Britain with Ashurst also coaching Wakefield and Runcorn.
Everyone at Serious About Rugby League passes on their condolences to Bill’s family at this terrible time.
