Swinton Lions' Cook Islands forward Dana Wilson dies in car accident

[josie andrews]

The prop forward Dana Wilson, a Cook Islands international who was a key member of Swinton Lions' promotion-winning team in Championship One this year, has died in a car crash.

The 28-year-old prop died in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to the Swinton chairman, John Kidd.

"We are all stunned," Kidd said. "Dana was a great personality who has made a massive contribution to the success the club has achieved this season. He was a big character both on and off the pitch and our sympathy goes out to his family both here and in New Zealand."

Wilson, who lived with his wife Kirsten and three children in Newton-le-Willows, in Lancashire, had played in England for six years.

He represented New Zealand at Under‑16 and Under‑18 levels before switching allegiance to the Cook Islands, where his parents were born. He played in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers for them.

Wilson joined the Sydney club Manly for a season before coming to England in 2005. He played for Oldham, Leigh and Halifax before joining Swinton in 2009. He scored the match-winning try for Leigh in the 2006 Northern Rail Cup final against Hull Kingston Rovers.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/se ... na-wilson?

[josie andrews]

RIP Dana, Sincere condolences to his family my thoughts & prayers are with them at this very sad time x

[josie andrews]

Game-wide silence for Dana Wilson

A minute silence will be observed at all Super League, Championship and Championship 1 play off matches as a mark of respect for Dana Wilson.

Wilson died in a car crash during the early hours of Sunday morning after appearing in Swinton's final game of the season against Rochdale on Friday night.

The minute silence will also be observed prior to all academy play off matches, as the play off stage of the under 20s Valvoline Cup begins this weekend.

Batley and Halifax will lead the mark of respect live on Sky Sports as the two teams commence the Championship play offs this Thursday evening.

http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_628 ... lson.html?