Rugby legend Ben Westwood to be made 'Freeman of Warrington'

Granada
Ben Westwood
Warrington Wolves
Warrington
Monday 24 February 2020 at 5:30am

Warrington Wolves rugby league legend Ben Westwood will be honoured by the town he played so many games for, when he becomes a freeman of Warrington.

Westwood is the club's longest serving player. He competed in 441 games for Wolves, across 18 seasons, before retiring last year.

Affectionately known as 'Super Bennie’, he joined Warrington Wolves in 2002, making his debut in an away game to London Broncos in Carcassonne, France.

Westwood is the club's longest serving player. Credit: PA

In addition to his 18 seasons at Warrington Wolves, Ben has also represented England on 27 occasions, including the 2008 and 2013 Rugby League World Cup, and featured in all of England’s 2011 Four Nations matches.

He ended his career as a Challenge Cup Winner in 2019, having previously also won the title in 2009, 2010 and 2012. He marked this win at the Warrington Wolves homecoming parade, when he gave his Challenge Cup Winners’ medal to a six year old Warrington Wolves ‘super fan’.

This is a wonderful day for me, my wife and family. I never imagined all those years ago – when I was playing for Normanton Knights – that my career would take me to winning the Challenge Cup four times and representing my country on the world stage. “I've had lots of encouragement along the way and have had fantastic support from my family, friends and the barmy army fans. I want to thank everyone who’s followed my journey over the years at Warrington Wolves and I’m really looking forward to the next chapter. “Throughout my career I have received magnificent support from the people of Warrington, which I’m very grateful for. I am also looking forward to driving sheep through Time Square, although I’ll have them close their eyes when they pass the market, as I don’t want them to be scared.”

He will receive his honour at Warrington Town Hall on Monday 24 February.