Maurice Lindsay: Wigan Warriors and RFL lead tributes following death of ‘significant leader’ at 81 | Rugby League News

Lindsay’s death at the age of 81 was announced by former club Wigan on Tuesday morning; RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer praised him as “one of the most significant leaders in the sport’s history.”

Former Wigan chairman and RFL chief executive Maurice Lindsay has died aged 81

Tributes have been paid to Maurice Lindsay following the death of the influential former rugby league figure at the age of 81.

Lindsay served as chairman of Wigan Warriors and as chief executive of the RFL, and was a leading figure of the formation of Super League and the switch to summer rugby.

The Warriors broke the news on Tuesday morning and Ralph Rimmer, one of his successors as RFL chief executive, hailed his influence on the sport.

“Maurice Lindsay will be remembered as one of the most significant leaders in the sport’s history,” Rimmer said.

“First at the Wigan club, where the strength of his personality was critical in their emergence as arguably the greatest club side of all time in this country, one which dominated domestically and flourished internationally, and whose impact extended well beyond Rugby League.

“Then when he moved to the game’s central administration at the RFL, he was the leading figure in driving through the inception of the Super League in 1996, which genuinely transformed the sport.

“He was a truly unique character, a wonderful raconteur, always had a twinkle in his eye – and he lived a remarkable life. Rugby League would not be where it is today without him.

More to follow…

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