World Cup - Golden Lions - Eric Ashton

World Cups (2) - Great Britain 1957 & 1960
Tries 2

Details from the Wigan Rugby League Legends site

Eric was born and brought up in St. Helens close to Knowsley Road. Eric was spotted playing rugby for the army during his national service and after being invited for a trial, he was seen by the directors as being a very talented player. It will always be remembered that Eric was in fact turned down by St. Helens.

He went straight into the first team at Wigan and quickly developed an on field working relationship with Billy Boston. The whole game respected their partnership and it brought Wigan many points over the next fourteen seasons. Ashton effectively replaced Ernie Ashcroft at Wigan in the centre and in all his years at Wigan, Ashton never lost his place through form. He skippered Wigan to a then record six appearances and was a born leader. Eric was selected for the 1958 tour and scored 30 tries and made his debut in the second test at Brisbane. Eric was selected for the 1962 tour as captain. He also captained Wigan in two Cup Finals against his hometown club St. Helens but was a loser on both occasions. In 1963 he was appointed player coach and he played his last game, like his predecessor Ernie Ashcroft against Whitehaven at Central Park in 1969, scoring two tries, just as Ernie had done.

In 1973 Eric resigned his post as coach and moved to Leeds for a short spell before moving to Knowsley Road to coach St. Helens to two Cup Final appearances at Wembley in 1976 and 1978. Eric has been a director at St. Helens for fifteen years and was Chairman when they won the Challenge Cup and Super League title in 1996.

Capped 26 times by Great Britain, Eric was awarded the MBE in June 1966 and was the first Rugby League player to be honoured by the Queen.

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