DISTINGUISHED former dual code international Bev Risman OBE, who played for Leigh between 1961-66, has died aged 85.

The son of rugby league legend Gus, Bev caused a stir when he switched codes and signed for Leigh in 1961.

Flitting between fly-half and centre in union, Bev won nine England between 1959 and 1961 while studying at Loughborough Colleges and toured Australia and New Zealand in 1959 with the British Lions, playing in four Tests.

Bev taught at Leigh Grammar School during his time at Hilton Park.

He played 140 times for Leigh, scoring 31 tries and kicking 241 goals before signing for Leeds in February 1966 He became at dual-code international when picked for Great Britain against France in 1968 and skippered that year’s 1968 World Cup team.

After hanging up his boots he remained involved and organised the first Students World Cup and was a leading figure in promoting Rugby League in London and the south, initially as a development officer, then as manager at Fulham, and a director at London Broncos.

He was added to the sport’s Roll of Honour in 2005 and was awarded the OBE in 2012 for services to Rugby League. In 2010 he was elected President of the RFL.

Bev’s former clubs, Leigh and Leeds, competed for the Bev Risman Trophy in games between the teams in the 2017 Super League season.