Alan Ashcroft, 1930-2021
Alan Ashcroft, a legendary England and British & Irish Lions No 8 has died at the age of 90.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has paid tribute to Alan who died on January 26 and said fellow Lancastrian, Fran Cotton: “I played against Alan when I first played senior rugby for Liverpool. He was a Lancashire, England and Lions legend and a truly great bloke. One of rugby’s characters, with a tremendous sense of humour, Alan had a fantastic laugh, a booming voice and was an outstanding tough and powerful player. He will be sadly missed.”
Born in St Helens, Alan started playing rugby at Cowley Grammar School and played for his local team in St Helens before going on to play for Waterloo, captaining their sixth team well into his fifties.
He was awarded 16 England caps, making his debut in 1956, and toured with the British & Irish Lions team to Australia and New Zealand in 1959. The son of a miner, rugby was a huge part of Alan’s life.
He was Head of Art and Rugby Master at Liverpool College where he inspired many pupils to pursue a passion for both.
