Wigan and St Helens Pay Tribute to Legends as Adrian Shelford, Paul Vautin, Bernard Dwyer, and Roy Haggerty Are Honored……
In a heartfelt tribute to some of rugby league’s most dedicated and passionate players, both Wigan Warriors and St Helens Saints recently acknowledged the enduring legacies of four notable figures: Adrian Shelford, Paul Vautin, Bernard Dwyer, and Roy Haggerty. These men, who proudly wore the jersey number 11 during their distinguished careers, left an indelible mark on the game through their strength, leadership, and fierce commitment to their clubs.
Adrian Shelford, the late New Zealand prop forward who became a cult hero at Wigan during the early 1990s, is one of the most revered overseas players to have pulled on the cherry and white jersey. Joining the club in 1990 after a successful stint with the Newcastle Knights in Australia and representing the Kiwis on the international stage, Shelford was a formidable presence up front. Known for his ferocious tackling and powerful carries, he played a pivotal role in helping Wigan maintain their domestic dominance at the time. Despite his short spell in the UK game, Shelford’s impact was lasting. Supporters recall his grit, determination, and larger-than-life persona both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, Paul “Fatty” Vautin, though better known to modern audiences as a media personality and Queensland State of Origin coach, had a brief playing stint in England with St Helens at Knowsley Road during the 1980s. The Australian forward was a tough, no-nonsense competitor who wore the number 11 shirt for the Saints. Even if his time at the club was fleeting, Vautin’s work ethic and leadership qualities resonated with teammates and fans alike. His leadership back home with Manly-Warringah and Queensland earned him legendary status in rugby league circles, and his period at St Helens remains a fond part of his diverse career.
St Helens also celebrates the career of Bernard Dwyer, a hardworking back-rower who epitomized the club’s “never say die” attitude throughout the 1990s. Dwyer played over 200 matches for Saints across eight seasons, becoming a linchpin in the side’s pack. Fearless in defense and relentless in support play, his consistency and durability underpinned the team during a successful era for the club, including key victories at Wembley and Old Trafford. Dwyer was not a flamboyant star, but for Saints fans, his grit and dedication to the club’s cause ensured his status as a true fan favorite. His legacy is one of reliability and commitment—attributes that defined the very best of the sport.
Finally, Roy Haggerty, a one-club man at St Helens, is remembered as one of the most versatile forwards of his generation. Playing more than 350 matches for the Saints between 1979 and 1991, Haggerty could slot into almost any position across the pack, demonstrating immense skill, toughness, and endurance. Revered for his work rate and team-first mentality, he was a key member of the St Helens squad that won the 1985 Challenge Cup at Wembley and earned a reputation as one of the most respected figures in the club’s history.
While these four players may have plied their trade in different eras and under different circumstances, they all shared the No. 11 jersey at some point in their careers, and their contributions left lasting impressions at their respective clubs. Whether they were international superstars like Shelford and Vautin or one-club stalwarts like Dwyer and Haggerty, their influence can still be felt by the next generation of players and supporters alike.
Both clubs plan to honor these four giants of the game with tributes during upcoming fixtures at the Totally Wicked Stadium and the DW Stadium. Special commemorations will highlight their careers, including video montages, on-field presentations, and dedicated fan chants to ensure their stories live on.
As modern rugby league grows faster and more athletic with each passing season, the legacies of Shelford, Vautin, Dwyer, and Haggerty offer a timely reminder of the sport’s rich history. They played in an era when grit, determination, and a commitment to one’s club colors truly mattered, setting a standard that players and fans alike continue to admire to this day.
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