Gary John Connolly (born 22 June 1971) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s as a fullback and centre for St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side.
He started his professional career with his hometown club, St Helens, making his debut in January 1989 against Hull Kingston Rovers.
At 17 years of age, he started at fullback in St Helens' ill-fated 0–27 defeat by their arch rivals Wigan at Wembley Stadium in the 1989 Challenge Cup final on the back of some impressive performances.
[5] He won his first silverware during the 1991–92 season, playing at centre in St Helens' 24–14 victory over Rochdale Hornets in the 1991 Lancashire Cup Final at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington, on Sunday 20 October 1991.
During the 1992–93 season, Connolly played at centre in the 4–5 defeat by Wigan in the 1992 Lancashire Cup Final at Knowsley Road, St. Helens, on Sunday 18 October 1992.
Gary Connolly played left-centre in Wigan's 2–33 defeat by Castleford in the 1993–94 Regal Trophy Final during the 1993–94 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 22 January 1994, played left-centre and scored a try in the 40–10 victory over Warrington in the 1994–95 Regal Trophy Final during the 1994–95 season at Alfred McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield on Saturday 28 January 1995,[10] and played fullback in the 25–16 victory over St Helens in the 1995–96 Regal Trophy Final during the 1994–95 season at Alfred McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield on Saturday 13 January 1996.
[16] Gary Connolly made his international rugby league début for Great Britain against the touring Papua New Guinea team on 9 November 1991 at Central Park in Wigan.
Later that year he was selected to play in the centres for Great Britain in their 6–10 defeat by Australia in the 1992 Rugby League World Cup Final at Wembley.
[23] Following Widnes's relegation from the Super League in 2005, Connolly was released, and he signed a short-term deal to return to rugby union with Munster.