Lance Todd

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Lance Todd was a Rugby League player, who arrived in Britain with the New Zealand tourists in 1907. He was signed by Wigan during the tour, and he became an outstanding centre, making 185 appearances for the club.

Sharing in Wigan's inaugural Championship success in 1908/09, he was also a member of the first Wigan Challenge Cup final line-up, which they lost to Broughton Rangers in 1911.

During November 1910, he played twice for Lancashire, when his aggregate of two tries and two goals helped seal the county title. In 1914, he transferred, unexpectedly, to Dewsbury for a fee of £400 - a huge fee at the time. In 1928 he became the team manager at Salford, achieving almost legendary status. During the 19030's Salford won three League Championships, five Lancashire League Championships, four Lancashire Cups and the Rugby League Challenge Cup.

Lance Todd died in a road accident in 1942.

For his work as a manager, and later as a radio commentator, his name lives on through the annual award of the Lance Todd Trophy, which is presented to the outstanding player in the Challenge Cup final. The first winner of the trophy was Wakefield Trinity Centre, Billy Stott in 1946.