Tommy Sale passes away

Leigh legend Tommy Sale has passed away at the age of 97.

A former Leigh player, coach and administrator, Sale was awarded an MBE for services to rugby league in 2011.

His first job was a scoreboard operator for Leigh at the age of 10 and he went on to play for the club’s first-team. He made his debut as a 20-year old stand-off in 1938 against York.

Sale’s career was interrupted by the Second World War and he served in Italy and the Middle East.

When he returned to England at the end of the war he briefly played for Warrington, as the Leigh club had closed down in 1941. He returned to play for Leigh in 1947.

In total Sale made 82 appearances for Leigh, scoring 16 tries and kicking two goals. He joined Widnes before retiring in December 1950.

Sale coached Wigan A, Leigh A and Liverpool City among other clubs.

He later served Leigh as a director, assistant secretary, scout, statistician, timekeeper and president.