Star’s death rocks rugby

JUBILATION turned to sadness for Oldham Roughyeds at the devastating news of the death of a former team prop forward.

Dana Wilson, a Cook Islands international, was killed in a car crash in the early hours of Sunday in Warrington. He was 28.

Oldham had just celebrated victory against Workington yesterday only to learn of the tragedy, which has rocked rugby league.

Chief executive Chris Hamilton paid tribute to Dana, who played for the club in 2005 after arriving from New Zealand.

He said: “The condolences of everyone at Roughyeds go to Dana’s family. He was a shy lad back then — it was his first time away from home.

“We got to know him really well and kept in touch when he moved on to play for Leigh. This is a sad day for everyone.”

Wilson, who lived with his wife Kirsten and three children in Newton-le-Willows, was a key part of Swinton Lions’ promotion from the Co-operative Championship One this year.