Name Ian Knott | ||
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Ian Graham Knott (born 2 October 1976) is a retired rugby league player who was active from 1993 to 2005. He played at club level for Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and Leigh Centurions (captain) as a fullback, Centre, Stand-off/Five-eighth, Second-row, or loose forward/lock.
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Career
Knott is one of many players produced by the amateur scene in Oldham. He came through the ranks at the Mayfield and Wigan St. Jude's amateur clubs, and was acquired by the Warrington Wolves as a youngster. During his many years as a Warrington Wolves player Knott had the honour of representing Great Britain at both Academy (captain) and Under-21 level. In 2004, Knott was named captain of Leigh Centurions and led them to an amazing treble as Leigh went on to win the Arriva Trains cup, finished top of the league, and won the Championship Grand Final, and a long-awaited place in Super League.
Personal life
Knott and his wife Danielle have two sons, Ethan and Haydyn.
A back injury sustained whilst playing rugby prematurely ended Knott's career in 2005. He has since had six operations to remove or repair damaged discs in his spine, and implant a morphine pump that is inserted into his stomach while a catheter travels to his back and passes the morphine directly into his spinal fluid. This was fitted at the Walton Centre in Liverpool. Knott now has limited mobility due to severe pain and permanent nerve damage, and requires the aid of a walking stick. He has received support from fans, the charity XIII Heroes, and the RFL Benevolent Fund.