David Topliss
- 58 years old
- Born Dec 29, 1949
- Died Jun 16, 2008
- Wakefield, England, United Kingdom
About
One of the Best!!
Former Great Britain international David Topliss died suddenly at the age of 58 after he collapsed during a five-a-side soccer match.
Topliss was a member of England's World Cup-winning squad in 1972 and captained both Wakefield Trinity and Hull in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
Topliss spent 13 years with Wakefield from 1968-81 and won the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match in their last Cup final appearance in 1979.
He also led Hull to Wembley and was in the team that beat Widnes in the Cup final replay of 1982. He finished his career at Oldham and also had stints in Australia with Penrith and Balmain.
Topliss scored 270 career tries and is the fifth highest scoring half-back behind Shaun Edwards, Alan Hardisty, Alex Murphy and Roger Millward.
He went on Ashes tours of Australia in 1973 and 1979 and captained Great Britain against the Kangaroos in 1982.
Topliss coached Wakefield from 1987-94 and also had a spell in charge of Great Britain Under-21s in 1989.
Gentleman and Legend
Jason Atack (Jul 12, 2008)
My Memory Rugby Legend David [toppo]
Susan Cooper (Jun 25, 2008)
rest in peace from Ian and Sue Cooper
Great servant
Steve (Jun 21, 2008)
If it was not for David, Wakefield may never have been revived from the old Second Division and into the SL team they are now. It was that sporty, never say die spirit which made him a great