Rugby League: Statue to be built in honour of St Helens' rugby giants

Aug 26 2007

St Helens Council has announced plans to commission a statue to celebrate the unprecedented success of St Helens Rugby League Club.

The statue will be placed on the roundabout on the A570 link road close to the site of the planned new Saints’ stadium near the town centre.

Talks have already begun with a sculptor to discuss the project brief and talks will be on going with the rugby club to progress the details.

The statue will reflect the results of a community competition to name fans greatest ever Saints’ player.

The statue announcement was made at the civic reception today to celebrate the teams Wembley victory in the Challenge Cup over Catalan Dragons.

Council leader Brian Spencer said: “This tribute is long overdue. The statue will be placed on one of the most prominent gateway sites into the Borough which will fittingly be near the site of the proposed new stadium site.

“The club have been marvellous ambassadors for our borough and we thought it was time we chose to honour the club for their sporting and community achievements over their long and prestigious history.

“I am very proud to be making this announcement in recognition of a world class sporting club

which is such a vital part of our Borough’s past, present and future.”

In 2001 the Council awarded the club Freedom of the Borough status following its record breaking sporting achievements.