Rugby league pays tribute to ‘superstar’ Des Drummond, who has died aged 63

Rugby league has paid its respects to the former Great Britain winger Des Drummond, who has died at the age of 63. The RFL led the tributes, saying the 24-cap Lion was “a player whose brilliance, athleticism and personality transcended the sport”.

Born in Jamaica, Drummond made his name at Leigh, earning a contract with the club after he and his parents followed brother Alva over to England. He made 280 appearances for the club and won the title with them in 1982.

“Leigh Centurions are devastated to hear of the passing of Des Drummond,” said the club. “Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. Des was a superstar whose brilliance created so many memories and a humble, modest and much-loved person.”

Drummond would go on to become an all-time great at Warrington too, captaining the side and winning the Regal Trophy against Bradford in 1991. “The club is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former player Des Drummond,” said Warrington, who held a minute’s silence for Drummond before their friendly with Wigan on Saturday.

Drummond also made a splash outside of rugby league, finishing second in the BBC’s Superstars and posting a 100m time that would have qualified him for the 1984 Olympics.