John Stopford (rugby league)
John "Johnny" Stopford was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s, and coached in the 1970s and 1980s. He played at representative level for Great [Britain national rugby league team|Great Britain], and at club level for Swinton, as a. Stopford formed a highly successful wing partnership with his, and fellow Great Britain international, Alan Buckley. He coached at representative level for Wellington rugby [league team|Wellington] and at club level for Swinton.
Background
Stopford was born in Wigan, Lancashire, England, and he died aged 61 in Wigan.Playing career
International honours
Stopford won caps for Great Britain while at Swinton in 1961 against France, in 1963 against France and Australia, in 1964 against France, in 1965 against France, and New Zealand, and in 1966 against France, and on the 1966 [Great Britain Lions tour] against Australia.Four Swinton players took part in the 1966 Great Britain Lions tour to Australasia, Stopford, Buckley, Ken Gowers and Dave Robinson.