Christopher Sanderson (27 July 1954[1] – 24 April 1977) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s. He played at club level for York Juniors and Leeds, as a stand-off or scrum-half.[2]

Chris Sanderson
Personal information
Full nameChristopher D. Sanderson
Born27 July 1954
York, England
Died24 April 1977(1977-04-24) (aged 22)
Salford, England
Playing information
PositionStand-off, Scrum-half
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1971–77 Leeds 55+26 21

Playing career

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County Cup Final appearances

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Chris Sanderson was a substitute in Leeds' 15-11 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers in the 1975 Yorkshire Cup Final at Headingley Stadium on Saturday 15 November 1975, and was a substitute in the 16-12 victory over Featherstone Rovers in the 1976 Yorkshire Cup Final Headingley Stadium on Saturday 16 October 1976.

Club career

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Chris Sanderson's Leeds début came against Halifax on 8 September 1971, and he played in the Challenge Cup matches during the 1974–75 season against Bradford Northern and Salford, and the semi-final defeat by Warrington.

Death

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During Leeds' match (with the score at 5-2 to Leeds, subsequently abandoned, and not replayed) against Salford at the Willows on Sunday 24 April 1977, Chris Sanderson collapsed following a tackle in the eighth minute, he died later that day at a nearby hospital.[2]

Testimonial match

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Leeds' 1976–77 Challenge Cup victory was dedicated to Chris Sanderson. Chris Sanderson's testimonial match at Leeds on the Thursday 12 May 1977, was a match between Leeds and Great Britain, it was attended by 11,000 people and raised £7,000 for his family.

See also

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List of rugby league players who died during matches


References

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  1. ^ "Birth details at freebmd.org.uk". freebmd.org.uk. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Profile at therhinos.co.uk". therhinos.co.uk. 31 December 2011. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
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