Wire rugby legend Brian Gregory dies of heart attack at 53

Brian Gregory, 53, who starred as a second row forward for the Wire in the 1970s, was enjoying a break with his partner Marjorie when tragedy struck.

He had suffered a heart attack several months ago, but doctors had given him a clean bill of health. However, it is suspected that it was another heart attack which led to his death.

His brother Allan said: "It was such a shock.

"Marjorie called from Tenerife on Tuesday morning. We could not believe what had happened.

"Brian lived with our mother, May, in Pemberton. They were devoted to each other and we are all devastated."

Mr Gregory was a plasterer by trade and also worked as a telephone engineer, but after his rugby career was over he joined the prison service, working in Wakefield and at Risley.

After starting as a youngster at Salford with his brother, he moved to Warrington, then enjoyed a successful career with Wigan, Oldham and Wakefield. Mr Gregory was one of three players to make his Wire debut against Hull at Wilderspool on August 20, 1972, sharing his big day with Kevin Ashcroft, Dennis Curling and Clive Jones.

He played 51 games as a second row forward for Warrington over two seasons, including the club's most successful season in history, 1973/74, when Wire won the Club Championship, the Challenge Cup, the Captain Morgan Trophy and the John Player Trophy. The campaign before, he had proved himself to be a powerful try-scoring machine and touched down 15 times in 41 games.

Allan added: "He loved his rugby and was a great player.

"We grew up a stone's throw from Central Park and used to watch Wigan, and he was chuffed to bits when he played for them, though he also had a good time playing at Warrington.

"Even after he retired, he kept himself in shape and was still involved in coaching."

No firm arrangements have yet been made for Mr Gregory's funeral as the family is awaiting the return of his body from Tenerife.

The funeral is planned to take place at St John's in Pemberton.