FORMER Wigan Chairman Maurice Lindsay has died at the age of 81.

Lindsay, who joined Wigan in 1980 and went on to lead their transformation from a Second Division side to the dominant force in British rugby league, became the architect of Super League in the mid 90s.

Under his tenure Wigan won the Challenge Cup eight years in a row from 1988-95.

Lindsay's drive towards Super League changed the face of Rugby League forever.

He also served on the board of Wigan Athletic under Dave Whelan and was Chairman of Preston North End for a short period of time.

The RFL have paid tribute.

Ralph Rimmer, the CEO of the Rugby Football League, said: 
“Maurice Lindsay will be remembered as one of the most significant leaders in the sport’s history.

“First at the Wigan club, where the strength of his personality was critical in their emergence as arguably the greatest club side of all-time in this country, one which dominated domestically and flourished internationally, and whose impact extended well beyond Rugby League.

“Then when he moved to the game’s central administration at the RFL, he was the leading figure in driving through the inception of the Super League in 1996, which genuinely transformed the sport.

“He was a truly unique character, a wonderful raconteur, always had a twinkle in his eye - and he lived a remarkable life. Rugby League would not be where it is today without him.”