Rugby league family pays tributes to Des Drummond on death

News of his sad passing emerged this afternoon, Saturday, less than an hour before the start of Wire’s pre-season game against Wigan for Stefan Ratchford’s testimonial.

The Jamaica-born winger captained Warrington towards a Regal Trophy win in 1991, scoring 69 tries in 182 appearances for Wire between 1987 and 1992

During his illustrious career spanning 21 years, he also played for Great Britain, Leigh Centurions, Western Suburbs, Workington Town, Chorley Chieftans, Prescot Panthers and Barrow.

Fans of the sport, former players, teams and organisations have been leaving their tributes on social media.

The Club is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former player Des Drummond.

Our thoughts are with Des' loved ones at this sad time. A minute's silence will take place before kick-off this evening.

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) January 29, 2022

Leigh Centurions are devastated to hear of the passing of Des Drummond.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this current time.

Des was a superstar whose brilliance created so many memories and a humble, modest and much-loved person. pic.twitter.com/Wo8xcU6kif

— Leigh Centurions (@LeighCenturions) January 29, 2022

The RFL sends deep condolences to the family and friends of Des Drummond, who has died at the age of 63. Des played 24 times for Great Britain, won the Championship with Leigh, and was a player whose brilliance, athleticism and personality transcended the sport. pic.twitter.com/0JwbvX5ahb

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) January 29, 2022

I grew up watching Des Drummond play and on Superstars and he was a hero of mine. Then had the privilege to play against him, a fierce competitor. Then the pleasure of spending time and a beer with him in retirement a few times. Sad news to hear your gone. RIP Des 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/F6z4uVqTiX

— Alan Hunte (@alanhunte) January 29, 2022

The magnificent Des Drummond, what an athlete he was.

Condolences to his family, friends and former team-mates. pic.twitter.com/LyNpDMewwL

— Mark Taylor (@_MarkJTaylor) January 29, 2022

RIP Des Drummond.

Faster, stronger, tougher, braver, and more exciting to watch than any other player from his day to this.

24 GB Caps, Champion with Leigh, TV Superstar, Warrington legend, Workington & Wests player, too. A hero to me, and to many.

🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇯🇲🏉 pic.twitter.com/vVnbZ2JBVT

— Joe Catcheside 🌹🇪🇺🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@JoeCatcheside) January 29, 2022

Des Drummond one of my favourite players when watching on the terraces at Wilderspool, unbelievable competitor. Gone to soon thoughts with his family and friends pic.twitter.com/c8dAae0k3Q

— Phil Jones (@Jonesy4020) January 29, 2022

RIP Des Drummond!! An absolute legend of a man and a beast of a rugby league player. I had the pleasure to play alongside him several times….wow could he tackle!!!!!
My condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/YYMcy44yRj

— Neil Parsley (@NeiloP) January 29, 2022

It’s always sad when ‘members of our RL family’ pass away and Des Drummond left us all today… a player I always admired at Leigh, Warrington & GB… here he is against Trinity in 1989 and Nigel Bell pic.twitter.com/5z1kYQJbJ0

— Trinity Heritage (@TrinityHeritage) January 29, 2022

Rest in rugby paradise Des Drummond, a @LeighCenturions legend and a phenomenal rugby league player. Sending much love and condolences to your family at this devastating time 💔🏉💔🏉💔 xxx pic.twitter.com/w5sy831gQ7

— BL (@carriemc7) January 29, 2022

Awful awful news about the sad passing of Des Drummond….one of THE great #RugbyLeague wingers….

— Stuart Pyke (@stuartpykesport) January 29, 2022

Will never forget in 2011 when we were about to play the USA and I needed a rub but the physio was no where to be seen, Des Drummond whipped off his shirt and told me to do the same 😂 He had a better rig at 50 than I did at 20!RIP mate. 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/YjcFliyze6

— Omari Caro (@Omaricaro) January 29, 2022

Our deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Des Drummond who has passed away.
It was a joy to watch you flying down the wing at Derwent Park. Rest in Peace marra ❤️🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/knlWYlVjef

— Workington Town (@WorkingtonTown) January 29, 2022

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Des Drummond. Des graced our ranks in the late 90s and throughout his career was a truly great player.
Our thoughts are with Des' family and loved ones at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/aQOAwW8xuM

— Barrow Raiders (@BarrowRaiders) January 29, 2022

RIP Des Drummond #Dessy 😢💔😢 We had some laughs, fun and jokes. Just a brother from another mother 🤜🏼🤛🏿. xxx 🇯🇲 #OneLove pic.twitter.com/YBfRBxmOPk

— Ronnie Irani (@RonnieIrani) January 29, 2022

So sorry to hear of the sad news that Des Drummond has passed away. One hell of a competitor a great player and a top guy @WarringtonRLFC #RIPDes

— Jonathan Davies OBE (@JiffyRugby) January 29, 2022

Sad to hear of hear of the passing of the @WarringtonRLFC legend that is Des Drummond, a unique player who will be sadly missed!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family, friends and his many fans!#RIPDes https://t.co/We1xvkpn2G

— Steve Prescott MBE (@StevePrescott1) January 29, 2022

Absolutely gutted to hear that @rfl legend Des Drummond has past away. A #rugbyleague legend, hero to many and a good friend. pic.twitter.com/dK2HsAQVvF

— Jason Donohue (@JasonDonohue7) January 29, 2022

Sadly I’ve just been informed about the passing of #desdrummond 😞 an absolute diamond of a bloke. Rest easy Dessy 🖤

— Rob Parker (@robparker1981) January 29, 2022