Tribute to Des Seabrook
The RFU is saddened to learn of the death of a great man of rugby, Des Seabrook.
Des coached the North of England team to an historic 21-9 victory over New Zealand at Otley in 1979, became part of the England coaching setup and coached the North West Counties and Lancashire.
As a player, captain, coach, Director of Rugby and President of Orrell RUFC, he was one of the club’s greatest driving forces, taking them into the National Cup where his side defeated the likes of Northampton and Harlequins, and keeping them in Division One until recently.
“Des was an outstanding player, a great rugby brain and a fantastic coach," said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, who played in the North of England side he coached to victory. "He masterminded the North’s victory over the All Blacks.
“He was captain of Lancashire when I started playing county rugby and he was a really tough guy, didn’t take any prisoners. Des had enormous respect and everyone enjoyed his company.
"A very proud Lancastrian and Englishman he was one of three outstanding rugby brains from Mid Lancashire, along with Fran Cotton and Brian Ashton. He was a great guy, a huge influence on younger players and he’ll be very much missed.”
In 2017 Des received a lifetime achievement award in the Rugby Union Writers Awards recognising his tremendous contribution to rugby.
