Cas great Johnny Ward passes away

A versatile ball handling forward Johnny joined Castleford in August 1960 and went on to make over 260 appearances for Castleford, becoming part of the Classy Cas side of the 1960’s. In that time Johnny helped contribute to Castleford’s famous win over Australia in 1963 with a try, winning two Floodlit Trophies in 1965 & 1967 and lift the Challenge Cup in 1969 after Castleford’s victory over Salford, who he would join the following year.

Internationally Johnny featured for England three times and Great Britain on four occasions including the Ashes series win in 1970, proving he could tough it out with the best.

Castleford Tigers Director of Rugby Jon Wells offered his condolences stating: “The Club are saddened to hear of the passing of one of our greats in Johnny Ward. He was a stalwart of the Castleford pack in the 1960s and is remembered by many as a tough and uncompromising forward, as a hooker and a prop who was both a Great Britain Test International and a Challenge Cup winner in his time at Castleford.

“Johnny will be fondly remembered and sadly missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Everyone at Castleford Tigers would like to send their condolences to Johnny’s family and friends, our thoughts are with them at this time.