Christopher Sanderson

Christopher Sanderson (27 July 1954 – 24 April 1977) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s. He played at club level for York Juniors and Leeds, as a or.

County Cup Final appearances
Chris Sanderson was a substitute in Leeds' 15-11 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers in the 1975 Yorkshire Cup Final at Headingley Stadium on Saturday 15 November 1975, and was a substitute in the 16-12 victory over Featherstone Rovers in the 1976 Yorkshire Cup Final Headingley Stadium on Saturday 16 October 1976.

Club career
Chris Sanderson's Leeds début came against Halifax on 8 September 1971, and he played in the Challenge Cup matches during the 1974–75 season against Bradford Northern and Salford, and the semi-final defeat by Warrington.

Death
During Leeds' match (with the score at 5-2 to Leeds, subsequently abandoned, and not replayed) against Salford at the Willows on Sunday 24 April 1977, Chris Sanderson collapsed following a tackle in the eighth minute, he died later that day at a nearby hospital.

Testimonial match
Leeds' 1976–77 Challenge Cup victory was dedicated to Chris Sanderson. Chris Sanderson's testimonial match at Leeds on the Thursday 12 May 1977, was a match between Leeds and Great Britain, it was attended by 11,000 people and raised £7,000 for his family.