On this day: Andy Gregory makes Challenge Cup history

Andy Gregory became the first man to win seven Challenge Cup titles on May 2, 1992. Here,we take a look at his achievement.
By PA
Published 2nd May 2020, 06:31 BST
Scrum-half Andy Gregory in action for WiganScrum-half Andy Gregory in action for Wigan
Scrum-half Andy Gregory in action for Wigan

Racking them up

The scrum-half’s first victory at Wembley came as a 19-year-old where he scored a try for Widnes in the 1981 final against Hull KR. He lost in a re-run of the final the following year and had to wait until 1984 for his next success, winning the competition with the Vikings. It was his 1986 move to Wigan Warriors that opened up the door to multiple success as he joined the most dominant club in the league’s history. Warriors won eight successive titles between 1987 and 1995, with Gregory being involved in five of them.

Seventh heaven

Gregory claimed a piece of history in the 1992 final against Castleford as he became the first man to claim seven winners’ medals. It was a comfortable victory for John Monie’s side at the national stadium as they racked up a 28-12 success over the Yorkshire club. Gregory played scrum-half but it was winger Martin Offiah who stole the show with two tries.

What happened next?

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Although Wigan went on to win the Challenge Cup three more times in a row, Gregory was not part of it. He left after the 1992 triumph due to a contract dispute following his return from a Great Britain Lions tour to Australia. He joined Leeds and spent two seasons there. He lost his record of most Challenge Cup wins to former Wigan team-mate Shaun Edwards, whose nine wins remain the most by any player.

Related topics:Hull KRWembleyVikingsCastleford