Maurice Bamford

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Maurice Bamford (born Leeds, West Yorkshire, England) is a former rugby league player and coach.

He attended Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School in Leeds. He was introduced to rugby league in 1945 when he played for his school immediately after the end of World War Two.

He signed professional forms for Hull F.C. in 1953. He was transferred to Dewsbury in 1957 and returned to play amateur rugby league in 1964, having played eleven seasons as a professional.

He coached amateur rugby league sides Stanningley, Dudley Hill, Milford Marlins, Oulton Welfare, Castleford Lock Lane, Blackpool Borough, Dewsbury Celtic, Greetland All-Rounders, Mirfield, Oxford University and Yorkshire County.

In 1972 he returned to the pro-game as assistant coach at Dewsbury and began a new career as coach. He had spells as coach at Leeds and Dewsbury (twice) and three times for Bramley. He also enjoyed time at Wigan, Halifax, Bradford Northern, Workington Town, York, Keighley, Prescot and Lancashire Lynx.

His career also included a three-year stint as Great Britain coach in the 80s with test series against Australia, New Zealand and France. His term as coach of the national side also included the formation of the Great Britain under 21 team.

In 1985, 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.