Over the weekend a magnificent statue was unveiled at Wembley Stadium. A quintet of heroes from the world of rugby was immortalised in burnished bronze by Hull based sculptor, Stephen Winterburn. Martin Offiah is available for endorsements, public appearances and brand opportunities through MN2S.
The celebration, on Saturday the 29th August, marked the 120th anniversary of the founding of rugby, where sports minister Tracy Crouch revealed the statue to eager crowds. Martin Offiah MBE cuts an impressive figure alongside fellow Rugby League legends, the late Eric Ashton MBE, Billy Boston MBE, Alex Murphy OBE and the late Gus Risman.
The chosen five men were chosen and voted for by a panel of rugby coaches, players, fans and journalists. Nigel Wood, the RFL chief executive explained the reasoning behind a group representation, as opposed to a solo figure similar to the Bobby Moore statue: “So many players have contributed to the rich history of the sport and its association with Wembley and the board were keen that that should be reflected in the statue. Having Risman, Boston, Ashton, Murphy and Offiah all part of the statue means that every generation of the sport is celebrated.” This now means that two sports, both football and rugby, undoubtedly essential parts of the British identity, have been recognised by Wembley.
The statue stands in close proximity to the Bobby Moore statue, another landmark at the national stadium. Offiah commented, “…the rugby league statue will be a meeting place for rugby league fans. In 20 or 30 years’ time, it will still be there as a shrine to rugby league.”
The prestige of such recognition was not lost on Offiah who called it, “the pinnacle of [his] career, without a doubt.” He also reflected on the importance of the location, and what the stadium represents to so many budding young athletes: “I’ve got a lot of affection for this stadium, some of my greatest moments happened here,” he said. “To have it at the national stadium, too, is beyond anything you could ever dream of. When you’re young, you dream about representing your country or playing at Wembley.”
Born to Nigerian parents in London, Offiah began his professional career with Widnes where his exceptional speed earned him a great deal of attention. This pace and agility would later earn him the nickname “Chariots” Offiah, a pun on “Chariots of Fire”. His efforts with Widnes meant he ended the 1987-1988 season as the league’s top try scorer, breaking the original record- something he would repeat the following year. He went on to receive the Man of Steel award.
It was at Wigan, however, that Offiah began an explosive partnership on the pitch with Gene Miles, setting new club records for try scoring. He made a total of 158 appearances for the club and scored at least one try in every game he played – a tally of 186 in total. Offiah also spent time playing for London and Salford, and for Australian teams Eastern Suburbs and St. George.
As concerns his international success, Offiah currently jointly holds the record for the most tries scored in any England national rugby league match.
Now retired, Offiah continues to add to his legacy by working as an analyst and commentator for Sky Sports rugby league coverage. This statue at Wembley will ensure that his name, at those of his four bronze companions, are always celebrated and revered.
Alongside his quality reportage for Sky Sports, Martin is also available to appear as an engaging and insightful speaker at private and corporate events. For more information on boking Martin Offiah, please contact MN2S Talent Agency.