Gary J. Connolly (born 22 June 1971 in St Helens, England) was a rugby league full back who later played at centre for St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side. In the twilight of his career, he played rugby union for Irish side Munster.
Connolly was a dependable centre capable of a quick turn of step and strong defence. His talent was evident from an early age. At just 17, he appeared i...
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Gary J. Connolly (born 22 June 1971 in St Helens, England) was a rugby league full back who later played at centre for St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side. In the twilight of his career, he played rugby union for Irish side Munster.
Connolly was a dependable centre capable of a quick turn of step and strong defence. His talent was evident from an early age. At just 17, he appeared in St. Helens' ill fated defeat to their arch rivals at Wembley in 1989 on the back of some impressive performances.
His move to rivals, Wigan, in 1992 was a controversial one and many St. Helens followers labelled him 'judas'. Nevertheless Connolly was a member of the successful Wigan team of the mid 90's. Connolly was regarded as one of the premier British centres of his generation and appeared 31 times for the national side excelling in the defensive side of the game, although his try scoring record was very modest at this level.
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