Donald Vines

Donald "Don" George Vines (6 February 1932 – 17 September 1989) was a Welsh rugby union, and professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s, and a heel wrestler in professional wrestling of the 1960s. He played club level rugby union (RU) for Newbridge RFC, as a centre, or later in the forwards, and representative level rugby league (RL) for Great Britain, Wales and Other Nationalities, and at club level for Oldham, Wakefield Trinity (two spells), and St Helens, as a , or .

Background Don Vines was born in Newbridge, Wales, his birth was registered in Newport district, he worked as a blacksmith at Crigglestone Colliery , he worked at Wakefield College , and he died aged 57 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England.

Playing career

International honours Don Vines won caps for Wales (RL) while at Wakefield Trinity 1959...1963 2-caps, and won caps for Great Britain (RL) while at Wakefield Trinity in 1959 against France (2 matches), and Australia,

Championship appearances Don Vines played at in Wakefield Trinity's 3–27 defeat by Wigan in the Championship Final during the 1959–60 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Saturday 21 May 1960.

Challenge Cup Final appearances Don Vines played at in Wakefield Trinity's 38–5 victory over Hull F.C. in the 1959–60 Challenge Cup Final during the 1959–60 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 14 May 1960, in front of a crowd of 79,773, played at in St. Helens' 12–6 victory over Wigan in the 1960–61 Challenge Cup Final during the 1960–61 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 13 May 1961, in front of a crowd of 94,672, and played at in Wakefield Trinity's 25–10 victory over Wigan in the 1962–63 Challenge Cup Final during the 1962–63 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 11 May 1963, in front of a crowd of 84,492.

Don went to Oxford with Les Gant in the 1970's to guest coach the newly formed Oxford University Rugby League Club. He was excellent and the team is still going strong forty years later.

Genealogical information Don Vines' marriage to Patricia B. (née Cook, birth registered during fourth quarter in Newport district) was registered during second quarter 1954 in Caerleon district, Wales. They had children; Michelle Vines, Beverley S. Vines (birth registered during fourth quarter in St. Helens district)and Lee J. Vines (birth registered during third aquarter in Wakefield district).

Television Year Title Role Notes 1980 Leave it to Charlie Man at Wrestling Match Episode: "The World of Mr. Wellbeloved"