Wilson, Tug – Was he Britain’s greatest sportsman?

Kenneth ‘Tug’ Wilson (1938-1993)

A FIVE-year-old boy, watching World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis in the action in the ring, became so excited by what he saw he climbed on to the apron to get a better view.

Unfortunately he slipped and fell, breaking an arm.

But he had seen the legendary Louis and that was to spur him on to become a sporting hero himself, at three different sports.

It was June 7th 1944 when Louis fought George Nicholson,in an exhibition bout on Grantham’s London Road ground. The youngster, from nearby Harrow Street, was Ken Wilson.

The former King’s School boy was to become RAF Heavyweight champion, with a very notable victory under his belt, and play Rugby Union for England.

He also toured Kenya and Southern Rhodesia with the Combined Services XV.

And when he turned to Rugby League he made such an impact the England team was the opposition for his Oldham testimonial.

Tug, as he was popularly known, began playing rugby at the King’s School, which still houses his one England caps, gained in February 1963 against France at Twickenham, when he played for Gloucester and the RAF.

His amateur boxing career saw him win the RAF title, and his many successes included a points win over the British ‘Golden Boy’ Billy Walker.

He also fought against another ‘great’ of the sport, losing on points to the then amateur Bob Foster, the American who went on to dominate the World Light Heavyweight division as its champion for much of the 1960s.

Tug’s move into Rugby League came at a time when it was frowned upon, as it meant turning professional. His signature cost Oldham £2,000 and for them it could not have been better spent.

He was a big name player throughout a 12-year career as a front row forward with the Lancashire club, as epitomised by his last two games for them – against Australia and then, bringing the curtain down in front of a full house, that testimonial against the full England side.

The programme notes for that final game said: “When the England team come here on Tuesday it will be the chance for the fans to show their appreciation for all he has done for Oldham in particular and Rugby League in general.”

A victim of Parkinson’s disease, Tug – but always Kenneth to his family – died aged only 55.