Stuart Arthur Spruce (born 3 January 1971) is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. He played as a fullback for the Widnes Vikings and the Bradford Bulls, and represented England and Great Britain at international level.[2][3]
Stuart Spruce made his début for Widnes during the 1989-90 season, under coach Doug Laughton. When regular fullback Alan Tait quit for Leeds, Spruce became the permanent fullback. Bradford Bulls paid a record £120,000 for a fullback when they signed Spruce in May 1996. The previous record of £90,000 was paid by St Helens to Warrington for David Lyon in September 1992.[7]
Spruce played for Bradford Bulls at fullback in the 1999 Super League Grand Final which was lost to St. Helens. He became known as a good defensive player and an excellent offense. James Lowes, who played with him throughout his time with Bradford, paid this tribute: "Stuart has been one of the best fullbacks of his generation. He is a great talker on the field and a devastating runner."
He played for Bradford until the week before the 2001 Rugby League Challenge Cup Final, when he announced his retirement due to injury.[8]
Spruce came out of retirement to play for Widnes during their inaugural Super League season in 2002.[9] He made a total of 54 appearances before retiring permanently at the end of the 2003 Super League season.[10]
Spruce won caps for England while at Widnes in 1992 against Wales and while at Bradford Bulls in 2000 against Russia (sub) and Fiji,[4] and won caps for Great Britain while at Widnes in 1993 against France, and while at Bradford Bulls in 1996 against Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and New Zealand (3 matches).[5]
Stuart served briefly as caretaker head coach after Neil Kelly left.
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