WARRINGTON Rugby League legend Barry Briggs, who starred for the Wire with his older brother Wilf, has died after a long illness.
Barry died in his sleep at St Rocco’s Hospice today from cancer. He made his debut for Warrington in 1965 after working his way through the ranks, from Warrington Schoolboys.
He starred in the second row, while brother Wilf made his name at stand-off.
Barry had a stint down under, playing for fellow Warrington legend Harry Bath, who was coaching at Newtown.
He returned to Warrington playing his final game in November 1973 before signing for arch-rivals Wigan, missing out on Warrington’s all conquering team of 73-74.
He had the honour of collecting Harry Bath’s induction into the Past Player’s Hall of Fame in April 2007.
Past Players Chairman George Thornton said: “During his time down under Harry acted as a father figure to Barry so it was a fitting honour for him to collect Harry’s induction in the hall of fame.”
Barry made 149 appearances in the Primrose and Blue of
Warrington, including 13 as a substitute, scoring 31 tries, kicking 3 goals and
dropping 2 goals
Pictures show Barry in his playing days and collecting Harry Bath’s framed certificate at the induction into the Hall of Fame.
17 Comments
A message here for Wilf ! .Deepest and most sincere condolences to Barry’s family and in particular for Wilf. I had the pleasure of having a few words with Wilf following the Game with Harlequins and in my innocence/ignorance asked Wilf about the whereabouts of brother Barry not being aware of the prevailing circumstances for which I can only apologise. Wilf naturally was quite reticent which I can now fully apppreciate for obvious reasons! Wilf mate, please contact me so that I can apologise to you personally. Maybe if I am aware of the funeral arrangements I will see you then. A family and two brothers who were a credit to the ‘Wire’. My heartfelt condolences to all.God bless to you all and may he RIP.Wilf, please get in touch.
I never got to see my dad play but have heard the stories, good and bad. The one thing that stood out for me was that he wasn’t just a dad, he was also my best friend. Sadly missed, but forever in my thought.
Barry Briggs was a great player. Like all great players every aspect of his game was top class. He was very quick for a big lad and a destructive tackler long before the days of the *big hit* I just wish he’d spent more seasons playing for the Wire but I suspect he had some of the wanderlust about him. Even so he should go down as being a Wire legend.
Very true words carl, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him, our thoughts are with you and your loving family during this time carl, he may be gone, but he will never be forgotten
hello john, many thanks for your kind words, no apologies are needed as its quite obvious you didnt know the circumstances regards barry,s illness. the briggs family would love you see you at barrys funeral and i will forward the arrangements to you as soon as i have them.
many people have to mourn the passing of a brother or a best friend . i have lost both only 18months seperated barry and myself our lives were shared to the maximum everything we did in sport ,leisure,and friendships were shared therefore i feel a void that barry has left will never be replaced and i am grateful and proud to have been part of his life.
Touching comments from my dad Wilf and my cousin Carl. The above comments are a very true reflection of my uncle Barry. I recall my first memories of Barry was when he returned from playing in Australia. He brought me back two souvenirs, the first being his club rugby shirt about 20 sizes too big for me and a brand new leather ball.
He always offered me good advise in my younger years and looking back it was always good advise. RIP Barry. You will always be remembered and sadly missed.
Barry you was an awesome bloke, i thoroughly enjoyed every chat and pint i had in your humble company, i will miss the stories about your playing days but then again i know your carl will never forget to remind me of some of my favourite ones. You will be missed and my thoughts are with all your family
Well….what can I say…..I think my Uncle Wilf and cousins, Carl and Darren have said it all…….he was and still is a marvelous man with so many qualities, not just in the rugby world, but as a husband, brother, father, grandad, uncle and great uncle. You are so missed :-((( R.I.P now and sleep well my beautiful Uncle. Love you, always in my thoughts and will be forever in my heart xxxx
Barry Briggs a great player, great man and great uncle! A true legend in all ways! My best memories of uncle Barry will always be the family parties and crying laughing at uncle Barry and uncle wilf like a comedy double act! You will be sadly missed by all! Nan and grandad are waiting. RIP uncle Barry.
R.I.P my wonderful dad, a huge void has been left in all our lives and life will never be the same again, a huge character who will live on in out hearts, love u so so much dad and always will, laura xxxxxxx
i met Barry 7 years ago and straight away he took me into his heart, just goes to show what a gentleman he was, i will miss havin a pint on a sunday and our chats, u will always be in my heart forever and i hold this promise that u will never be forgotten in my sons eyes, ur grandson Jack, you will always be the best grandad in the world, goodnight godbless
Wilf, I am also very proud to have been part of Barry’s life. He was a fantastic Brother-in-Law and always the life and soul of the party. I will miss him very much.
My sincere condolences to you, your family and my Sister Jean, Carl & Laura.
dear john , funeral arrangements for barrys funeral are monday 8th march 12 30 at christ church padgate opposite the stocks followed by warrington crem at 1 30, reception is at alford were all are welcome. look forward to seeing you.
Harry coached Barry during his playing years with the Newtown R.L.F. Club Sydney -he was respected by all as a Sportsman and Gentlemen. Barry’s entertained everyone with his humour. My thought are with the family at this time.
Sincerely Gwen Bath
In the early 70s I had the pleasure of spending some time with Barry in Australia where I watched him play and captain Newtown in the Sydney Rugby League. Barry won many Man of the Match awards and held his own against such Aussie players , the likes of Bob McCarthy, Ron Coote and hard-man John Satler. Barry was voted the best new-comer to Sydney R L in his first season. Bobby Fulton thought highly of Barry and regretted not playing alongside him at Manly. Mal Reilly also would have enjoyed packing-down with Barry at Manly and thought he was of International calibre.
The ‘Pommie’ nights out spent with Barry, Big Jim Mills, Peter mullins, Graham Williams and Mal Reilly are wonderful memories of which I have many.
I remember Barry as a laid back, carefree, SPECIAL man who fought such a dignified, courageous fight during his long illness.
RIP BAZ
Jacko
Basher,
Its me Pedro.A mate you have not gone your just having a rest from us lot. Dont worry about Jean she will be ok with Carl and Laura. I have just read Trevors trebute to you and all i can say is i have had many a great time with you lisening to your tales from down under. The one about going over the arbour bridge being the best. and i will never forget the day in Oldham see you soon mate Pete & Sue.