John Stephens (rugby league)

John Roland Stephens (born 2 September 1945) is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s. He played at representative level for England and Lancashire, and at club level for Wigan (two spells),[4] St Helens and Widnes as a prop.[2]

For other people with the same name, see John Stephens.

John Stephens
Personal information
Full nameJohn Roland Stephens[1]
Born (1945-09-02) 2 September 1945
Widnes, Cheshire, England
Playing information
PositionProp
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1963–70 Wigan 234 22 0 0 66
1970–74 St. Helens 128 16 0 0 48
1974–76 Widnes 27 2 1 0 8
1979 Wigan 4 1 0 0 3
Total 393 41 1 0 125
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1968–72 Lancashire 7
1969–70 England 3 0 0 0 0
Source: [2][3]

Background

John Stephens was born in Widnes, Lancashire. His birth was registered in Prescot, Lancashire, England. He was a restaurateur in Liverpool. As of 2008, he lives in Newcastle upon Tyne with his second wife Judith, who he married after his first wife of over 40 years, Sue, died in tragic circumstances at the age of 59. John and Sue had 2 children together (Mark and Sarah) and 4 grand children (Lewis, James, Lydia and Sophie)

Playing career

Wigan

Stephens played right-prop in Wigan's 16–13 victory over Oldham in the 1966 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1966–67 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 29 October 1966,[5]

He played left-prop in Wigan's 7–4 victory over St. Helens in the 1968 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final during the 1968–69 season at Central Park, Wigan on Tuesday 17 December 1968,[6] and played left-prop in the 6–11 defeat by Leigh in the 1969 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final during the 1969–70 season at Central Park, Wigan on Tuesday 16 December 1969.

St Helens

After being transfer listed at his own request, Stephens was signed by St Helens in December 1970.[7]

Stephens played right-prop in St Helens' 16–13 victory over Leeds in the 1972 Challenge Cup Final during the 1971-72 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 13 May 1972.

Widnes

In September 1974, Stephens was signed by Widnes for a fee of £2,000, and scored a try on his debut against Bradford Northern.[8]

He played right-prop in Widnes' 6–2 victory over Salford in the 1974 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1974–75 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 2 November 1974.

Representative honours

Stephens won caps for England while at Wigan in 1969 against Wales, and France, and in 1970 against France.[3]

He was also selected for the 1970 Great Britain Lions tour, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.[9]

References
  1. Morris, Graham (2005). Wigan Rugby League Football Club: 100 Greats. Stroud: Tempus Publishing. p. 114. ISBN 978-0-7524-3470-4.
  2. "Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org". rugbyleagueproject.org. 31 December 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  3. "England Statistics at englandrl.co.uk". englandrl.co.uk. 31 December 2017. Archived from the original on 21 April 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  4. "Heritage Numbers - In Debut Order". wigan.rlfans.com. 31 December 2017. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  5. "1966-1967 Lancashire Cup Final". wigan.rlfans.com. 31 December 2011. Archived from the original on 16 July 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  6. "1968-1968 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final". wigan.rlfans.com. 31 December 2011. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  7. Mather, Harold (28 December 1970). "St Helens sign John Stephens". The Guardian. London. p. 14. ProQuest 185548511.
  8. "Stevens' debut try". Runcorn Weekly News. 26 September 1974. p. 19 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  9. "Hartley in tour party". The Guardian. London. 7 April 1970. p. 17. ProQuest 185491202.
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