13 Facts About Maurice Bamford

Maurice Bamford was an English professional rugby league footballer and coach.

Maurice Bamford went on to write several books on rugby league.

Maurice Bamford attended Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School in Leeds.

Maurice Bamford was introduced to rugby league in 1945 when he played for his school immediately after the end of the Second World War.

Maurice Bamford signed professional forms for Hull FC in 1953, but never played in the first team.

Maurice Bamford's professional playing career was cut short due to injuries, eventually retiring in 1963.

Maurice Bamford was appointed as head coach when Smales left the club in 1974, but was only in charge for a few months before being replaced by Alan Hardisty.

In 1985, Maurice Bamford was the first ever appointed full-time Development Officer for rugby league in the UK when he served for the Leeds City Council Leisure Services for two and a half years.

Maurice Bamford returned to Leeds for a second coaching spell between December 1986 and April 1988.

Maurice Bamford's career included a three-year stint as Great Britain coach between 1984 and 1987 with test series against Australia, New Zealand and France.

Maurice Bamford was succeeded as Great Britain coach by Mal Reilly.

Maurice Bamford wrote a number of books on rugby league, including biographies of former players Geoff Gunney, Arthur Clues, Jeff Grayshon, Vince Karalius, Jim Mills and Frank Myler.

Maurice Bamford died on 23 May 2019, aged 83, after being ill from cancer for some time.