Dana Wilson dies in car crash

Swinton Lions and the rugby league community have been left in shock at the news that Dana Wilson has died in a car crash.

The 28-year-old was part of the Championship 1 winning Swinton side and featured for the Lions on Friday night in the defeat against Rochdale.

The Cook Island international was killed in a car crash in the early hours of the morning according to John Kidd, the Chairman of the Swinton Lions.

Kidd stated: “We are all stunned. 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 lived in Newton-le-Willows with his wife Kirsten and their three children. He was born in New Zealand but moved to England six years ago where he had stints with Oldham, Leigh and Halifax before joining Swinton two years ago.

He played for Leigh in the 2006 Northern Rail Cup final against Hull KR where he scored the match-winning try.