John Stephens (rugby league)

Background

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- 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,

He played left- 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, and played left- 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.

Stephens played right- 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.

He played right- 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.

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

References

References

1. Morris, Graham. (2005). "Wigan Rugby League Football Club: 100 Greats". Tempus Publishing.
2. (31 December 2017). "Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org". rugbyleagueproject.org.
3. "John Stephens".
4. (31 December 2017). "Heritage Numbers - In Debut Order". wigan.rlfans.com.
5. (31 December 2011). "1966-1967 Lancashire Cup Final". wigan.rlfans.com.
6. (31 December 2011). "1968-1968 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final". wigan.rlfans.com.
7. (28 December 1970). "St Helens sign John Stephens". The Guardian.
8. (26 September 1974). "Stevens' debut try". Runcorn Weekly News.
9. (7 April 1970). "Hartley in tour party". The Guardian.