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Maurice Lindsay was one of the instigators of Super League and the switch to summer rugby in 1996.
Maurice Lindsay was one of the instigators of Super League and the switch to summer rugby in 1996. Photograph: Varley Picture Agency/Shutterstock
Maurice Lindsay was one of the instigators of Super League and the switch to summer rugby in 1996. Photograph: Varley Picture Agency/Shutterstock

Maurice Lindsay, architect of Wigan’s golden era, dies aged 81

This article is more than 1 year old
  • Lindsay also former chief executive of Rugby Football League
  • ‘He will be for ever remembered as a visionary’

Maurice Lindsay, the architect of Wigan’s golden era and also a former chief executive of the Rugby Football League, has died at the age of 81.

Wigan paid tribute to their former chairman who joined the club in 1980 and sparked an unprecedented period of success saying he “will be for ever remembered as a visionary”.

Under Lindsay’s leadership, Wigan won eight league titles and also eight consecutive Challenge Cups between 1985 and 1992. Lindsay later went on to lead the RFL and was one of the instigators of Super League and the switch to summer rugby in 1996.

Wigan said: “Lindsay was respected and admired throughout the world of rugby league and will be for ever remembered as a visionary – proposing the Super League which changed the face of rugby league for ever.

“Wigan Warriors sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maurice at this very sad time.”

Lindsay subsequently served as chief executive of Super League before returning to Wigan after their move from Central Park to the JJB Stadium. He also served on the board of Wigan Athletic alongside the owner, Dave Whelan, and had a brief stint as chairman of Preston.

The RFL chief executive, Ralph Rimmer, said: “Maurice Lindsay will be remembered as one of the most significant leaders in the sport’s history.

“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.”

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