Jim Slevin

James 'Jim' Slevin was born on the 29th November 1861 in Ireland. He played rugby football from 1879 through to 1891 for Wigan Warriors and was involved in re-forming the club in 1879 at the age of 17. He had previously attended the Wigan Grammar School and had a gift for speed and running. He started aged 14 in a local athletics competition winning his running race. In September 1877, Jim won a quarter-mile handicap race in just under 61 seconds. He could also run 110 yards, aged 16 in around 12.4 seconds. He was a member and captain of the Wigan Hare and Hounds Club. He was a fine hurdler. He was a prolific winner, his biggest wins being over the 220 yard hurdles at Preston and Wigan in 1881 and 1882, at Rainhill and Wigan in 1883 and plenty more besides.

His career at Wigan spanned from 1879 to 1891 and the majority of it as captain. He was predominantly a three-quarter back and mainly played on the right wing during his career. On debut however, he played at half-back.

He made 290 appearances for the club, scoring 131 tries and winning 8 trophies.

Jim died, aged 55, on the 31st July 1917 after a short battle with pneumonia.