Background
Loughlin was born in Saint Helens.
Loughlin was born in Saint Helens.
At the age of 17, he made his first team debut against Oldham in 1984. In 1995, he was transferred to Bradford Bulls as part of the record breaking deal to bring Paul Newlove to Knowsley Road. Loughlin was also a regular selection for Great Britain.
He was selected to go on the 1988 Great Britain Lions tour.
Loughlin played centre, id est (that is) number 3, scored 2-tries a drop goal and was man of the match in Saint Helens" 15-14 victory over Leeds in the 1987-1988 John Player Special Trophy final during the 1987-1988 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 9 January 1988. After his move to Bradford, he enjoyed several successful seasons with the Bulls.
He played for Bradford at centre in their 1996 Challenge Cup final loss to Street Loughlin then played a prominent role in the Bulls winning the Super League title in 1997. After spending two further seasons in the Super League with Huddersfield Giants, he ended his career with Swinton Lions.
Loughlin appeared in a total of five Challenge Cup finals, three times for Saint Helens and twice for Bradford, and was a member of the losing side on each of these occasions.