Tributes are pouring in across the sporting world and social media for rugby player Adam Walker, who passed away aged just 31.
Walker, a Scottish international and Salford Red Devils player since 2019, had played as a professional in rugby league for more than a decade and often shared the field with his twin brother Johnathan.
Following the sad news earlier today, we offer our condolences to the family of Adam Walker on behalf of everyone at Salford Red Devils. pic.twitter.com/qii5644Vh4
The Greater Manchester club was his last and despite struggles with off-field issues limiting his playing time, he spent three years at the AJ Bell Stadium.
His former club Hull Kingston Rovers, where he also spent three years and made most of his appearances (108) were equally saddened to hear the news.
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Hull KR are saddened to learn of Adam Walker's passing.
Walker also played for St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, as well as Barrow Raiders and Swinton Lions on loan — all of which issued messages of love and support to his friends and family, as did the rest of national, union and league rugby.
The prop forward started his career at Huddersfield Giants, where he came through the youth set-up and made his senior appearances. Those in the comments remembered his academy days fondly.
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Huddersfield Giants are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our former player, Adam Walker.
Adam came through the club's academy and played for the first team from 2010 to 2012.
The thoughts of all at the club are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/vqciVPg8S6
Despite being born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, both Adam and his brother declared for Scotland‘s national team, playing in the 2013 World Cup, as well as the 2014 and ’15 European Cup competitions.
He amassed 14 caps for the national side, with Scotland’s Rugby League also paying tribute.
Scotland Rugby League are saddened to learn of Adam Walker's passing.
— Scotland Rugby League 🏴 (@scotlandrl) October 4, 2022
Walker was known to have battled with depression and other mental health issues off the field, struggles which had hampered his career over recent years. He also had trouble with the law despite being dismissed of two charges back in 2016.
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Just over a year later, he went on to be banned for 20 months after having tested positive for cocaine after a game for Trinity in against the Widnes Vikings. His death has seen those trying to draw attention to male mental health in sport, especially, urging others to come forward and talk to someone.
Former Salford teammate Jackson Hastings described him on Twitter as a “champion team-mate and someone who was misunderstood”.
His cause of death is still yet to be announced.
Rest in peace.
Featured Image — Salford Red Devils (via Twitter)
Sport
One of the biggest and best new beer gardens in Manchester drops just in time for the World Cup
Danny Jones
You heard us right: what could very well be Manchester’s favourite new beer garden has just landed over in St John’s, and all can envision is non-stop sun, suds and sporting action all summer long.
This, my friends, is ‘The Green’.
Capturing a kind of mix between the simple combo of wide open space, booze and hopefully sun on the Stevenson Square we all know and love, with a bit of the Boxpark fanfare that will make it perfect come World Cup, we’re big fans of what they’ve put together here.
It’s also worth noting that this place is significantly bigger than you’ll find in most corners of central Manchester, complete with plenty of room to perch, from the rows of deckchairs to even tiered step seating that runs along the edge.
There’s new artificial turf laid down, complete with fresh wooden borders, lamp lighting, big benches perfect for squeezing plenty of mates on each side, as well as a decent number of small parasols. There are even QR codes to save time ordering at the bar.
Speaking of, the bar is already full up and running with a very solid lineup of summery drinks, for beers and fruity ciders to Aperol and plenty more. You are paying the expected St John’s prices, but when the rays hit just right, the footy’s on and you’re with your mates, you won’t hear us complaining.
Not just batch stuff being proud from the tap either – they’ve got cocktails, creative twists on frozen margs and lots of other stuff still in the pipeline.
But understandably, the instant start of the show is that large screen, which has already got us dreaming of the World Cup and tournament season year in year out, for that matter. And when we say large, we really mean it…
Just picture the scenes…
The lawn itself is plenty long, and the massive monitor is high up enough on the old studio wall that not a single soul will be missing a second of that action.
Be it the footy, Wimbledon, F1, rugby – whatever the discipline happens to be, we can’t wait to find any excuse to watch it all here (weather permitting). Only a short distance from Deansgate, Spinningfields, Castlefield and more, we feel like this spot is about to blow up.
You’ll also be glad to know that while you can’t take food and drink from other venues around the beer garden itself, they’ve got a food lineup all of their own coming very soon, centring around Manchester locals and regional indies. That’s what we like to hear.
It’s just what that Grape Street area needed, and regardless of whatever potential seasonal shifts it might need to make, we hope it stays here for a very long time. Good vibes all-round.
A dozen freebies you can get with a Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal for 2026
Danny Jones
Race day is fast-approaching, but that also means so is the finisher line for you legends taking on this year’s Great Manchester Run, and in turn, so are all the freebies heading your way.
Everyone has their reasons for running 10ks, half marathons and more, but for a lot of people, they just wanna soak in the atmosphere – and all the free suds afterwards…
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of all the free stuff you can get with a 2026 Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal this coming Sunday, 31 May.
12 free things you can get with a 2026 Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal
1. Freebies and carb-loading at Bundobust
What is it: An Indian street food spot beloved here in the North, with plenty of beers on tap and unreal, Gujarati-influenced scran perfect for sharing.
The offer: Two-for-one on their famous vada pav sliders the day before the race upon showing entry confirmation, and a free pint when you show your medal at the bar.
What is it: A stylish bar turned late-night club come the evenings with a big terrace out back and plenty of room to dance the night away (for those with any energy left, that is), famous for its bottomless brunches and party crowd.
The offer: A complimentary drink at multiple venues in exchange for a look at your shiny 2026 medal, including the likes of Impossible.
Expect a good sign this weekend.Decent Sunday roast, too.
The offer: Very much a Ronseal situation this – simply show you finisher’s medal to cop yourself one of their traditional Vietnamese cookies made in the shape of, you guessed it, a medal.
4. Complimentary booze and offers at Electric Shuffle
What is it: An interactive games bar on Deansgate known for high-tech shuffleboard, darts and more, including more brunch and group booking packages.
The offer: A pint of beer, 175ml glass of house wine, 125ml glass of prosecco, or a soft drink on the house when you show your medal or race number; the venue will also be open from 9am on the day itself, serving plenty of GMR specials, including a full breakfast menu.
Right up to the top.If you fancy squeezing in a game afterwards…Sip and play. (Credit: The Manc Group)
5. Free ice cream at Hello Oriental
What is: An underground Pan-Asian food hall located on Circle Square, just off the main Oxford Road Corridor, with multiple vendors available.
The offer: Free cone of soft-serve on sight of your finisher’s medal – you can also upgrade to their deluxe animal-shaped waffle cones for £2 – or you can choose to claim a free drink with any main meal.
What is it: A famous London chop house that’s made its way to Manchester, serving big steaks, pork loins, Sunday roasts and more from a stunning Peter Street site.
The offer: Pick from any of their tap wines, beers or softs to toast to your success. One medal = one tap.
What is it: The on-site bar and restaurant attached to YOTEL Manchester – also located along the Deansgate strip. They’re also launching a new summer menu, too.
The offer: A free pint of the draught Motley Brew, made by Salford icons Seven Brothers, a zero-alcohol ‘Nojito’ or a soft drink.
8. The same goes for Freight Island
What is it: The massive Manc urban market, beer hall and entertainment venue, packed with tonnes of local food and drink traders.
The offer: Claim a free glass of prosecco, pint, glass of wine, or a soft drink – simply show your medal, and you’ll be given a token that you can exchange for the good stuff.
9. Bonus late checkout for those staying at Hotel Indigo
What is it: A boutique city centre hotel operated by the IHG hotel and resorts group, located right near Victoria train station for those travelling into Manchester.
The offer: Show your participation ticket on arrival and receive a complimentary 6pm checkout on Sunday, 31 May 2026. *Offer subject to availability. Management reserves the right to remove the offer at any time without prior notice.
10. Non-alcoholic goodness on the house from Nell’s at Kampus and Common
What is it: Much-loved Manc-born bar and pizza joint, serving New York-style slices, frozen slushie cocktails and plenty more.
The offer: A free pint of Lucky Saint with your medal; same again at Common over in the Northern Quarter, where you can also enjoy some well-earned ‘za.
11. Sunny servings of Aperol Spritz at Courts Club
What is it: Social club and bar centring around a multi-purpose basketball/tennis court and even boules, not to mention a fridge and outdoor stall both serving freshly-prepared grab-and-go scran, as well as plenty of outdoor seating.
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The offer: Show your finisher’s medal at the bar from 12 noon and receive one Aperol Spritz per person. Simple as that.
12. And finally, your finisher’s pack, of course!
To wrap things up, shortly after you cross the finish line – and you WILL cross that line – you will also be presented with your customary bag of goodies, including your ‘been there done that, got the finisher’s t-shirt (unless you opted out), a bottle of water, and an edible treat.
But that’s not all: there’ll be plenty more freebies to pick up as you exit back through the official event village, such as more snacks and even another 0% beer from Lucky Saint, which tastes even better than the real thing when you’ve completed either 10k or 13.1 miles.
Last but not least, for those of you journeying into the city either to take part or even just to spectate, it’s worth taking a look at the most recent transport updates.
After all, we want to make sure you get here and grab as much of this ‘SWAG’ as possible once you’re done – you’ve earned it, after all.
Danny Jones -
6th October 2022 
