Death of former Leeds Rhinos star: also played for Wakefield Trinity & Warrington Wolves
Leeds Rhinos are mourning a former player who has died, aged 55.
Vince Fawcett played for his home city club from 1988-93 and had a spell with Wakefield Trinity in 1999 at the end of his career. He also featured for Workington Town, Australian club Parramatta Eels, Oldham and Warrington Wolves and later ran a bed and breakfast guesthouse in Bridlington.
Fawcett had been ill for some time. His former Leeds teammate Garry Schofield told The Yorkshire Evening Post: “It’s very sad, someone that young. I can remember him walking through the doors at Headingley; he was a big, strapping young lad and we said ‘wonder what position he plays’. We thought he was a second-rower, but he was a centre/winger.
“He proved himself straight away and he was very popular with all the lads. I had a lot of time and respect for him and he was a good player. I was talking to someone at Workington and their supporters loved him, he was a superstar up there.”
Capped three times for Great Britain under-21s, Fawcett made his Leeds debut against Swinton at Headingley in March, 1988 and scored 22 tries in 69 games for the club. A Rhinos statement said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to send our deepest sympathies to Vince's family and friends at this time.”
After leaving Leeds, Fawcett became a cult hero at Workington where he scored 24 tries and impressed enough to secure a move to Parramatta. In a tribute on social media, Workington said: “We’re gutted to hear today that Vince Fawcett has passed away after a long illness.
“Vince played in the blue and white 50 times over two seasons 1994-1996. If you were privileged to watch him play you will remember an uncompromising, physical, fast and skilful player who gave his all for the club. We’d like to send our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him. RIP Vinnie.”
A tribute on NRL outfit Eels’ website described Fawcett as a “big centre with a huge heart” and added: “Vince will be remembered for his commitment on the field and his love of the game.”
Back in England he scored three tries - a hat-trick during a Super League meeting with St Helens - in nine games for Oldham Bears in 1997. He crossed nine times during 13 appearances for Warrington the following year. Both clubs also expressed their sadness at the news. Fawcett’s playing career ended in 1999 when he touched down twice in 14 matches with Trinity.