TRIBUTES have been paid to former Bradford Northern and Keighley player Stuart Gallacher, who died on Sunday at the age of 68.

The former Wales dual-code international began his career in rugby union and made almost 200 appearances for Llanelli after joining them in 1965.

He switched to rugby league in 1970 and joined Northern, establishing himself as a tenacious back-rower during his five-year stay.

Gallacher then moved to Keighley in January 1975 and, later that year, played for Wales in the Rugby League World Cup.

He hung up his boots after 43 games for Keighley and went back to Wales, serving as chief executive at Llanelli and Scarlets and chairman of Regional Rugby Wales, stepping down this year because of ill health.

Cougars chairman Gary Fawcett said: "I'm a bit of a Llanelli Scarlets fan so I met Stuart a few times and he always spoke fondly of his time at Keighley.

"His passion for the game of rugby in both codes will be missed and my condolences go to his family at this sad time."

Bulls managing director Steve Ferres added: "Our condolences go to Stuart's family."