Neil Holding


Neil A. Holding is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and coached in the 1990s. He played at representative level for Great Britain, England and Lancashire, and at club level for St. Helens and Rochdale Hornets, as a or, i.e. number 6, or 7, and coached at club level for Rochdale Hornets, Oldham and Bradford Northern.

Playing career

International honours

Neil Holding won a cap for England while at St. Helens in 1980 against Wales, and won caps for Great Britain while at St. Helens in 1984 against Australia and New Zealand.

Challenge Cup Final appearances

Neil Holding played in St. Helens' 18-19 defeat by Halifax in the 1987 Challenge Cup Final during the 1986–87 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 2 May 1987.

County Cup Final appearances

Neil Holding played in St. Helens 0-16 defeat by Warrington in the 1982 Lancashire County Cup Final during the 1982–83 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 23 October 1982, and played in the 28-16 victory over Wigan in the 1984 Lancashire County Cup Final during the 1984–85 season at Central Park, Wigan on Sunday 28 October 1984.

BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final appearances

Neil Holding played in St. Helens' 7-13 defeat by Widnes in the 1978 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final during the 1978–79 season at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Tuesday 12 December 1978.

John Player Special Trophy Final appearances

Neil Holding played, and scored a drop goal in St. Helens' 15-14 victory over Leeds in the 1987–88 John Player Special Trophy Final during the 1987–88 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 9 January 1988.

Honoured at St Helens

Neil Holding is a St Helens R.F.C. Hall of Fame inductee.