Nigel Stephenson

Nigel Stephenson (born 12 October 1950), also known by the nicknames of "Nij", and "Stivvy", is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s,^[2] and coached in the 1980s and 1990s.^[3] He played at representative level for England and Yorkshire, and at club level for Shaw Cross ARLFC (in Shaw Cross, Dewsbury),[1][2], Dewsbury (two spells), Bradford Northern, Carlisle, Wakefield Trinity (captain) (Heritage No. 906), York and Huddersfield, as a centre, i.e. number 3 or 4, and coached at club level for Hunslet and Huddersfield.

Background

Nigel Stephenson was born in Dewsbury, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.

Playing career

International honours

Nigel Stephenson played left-centre, i.e. number 4, in England's 0–25 defeat by Australia in the 1975 Rugby League World Cup Final at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Wednesday 12 November 1975.^[4]

County honours

Nigel Stephenson was selected for Yorkshire County XIII on ten occasions. and scored 9 tries and won the county championship a record 5 times along with the late David Topliss.

Championship final appearances

Nigel Stephenson played left-centre, i.e. number 4, was captain, and scored a try, 4-goals and a drop goal in Dewsbury's 22–13 victory over Leeds in the Championship Final during the 1972–73 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Saturday 19 May 1973.also won the championship with Bradford northern two years running 1980/81 1981/1982. second time as captain.

BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final appearances

Nigel Stephenson played stand-off, and scored a goal in Dewsbury's 2–22 defeat by St. Helens in the 1975 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final during the 1975–76 season at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Tuesday 16 December 1975.

John Player Trophy Final appearances

Nigel Stephenson played stand-off, and scored a drop goal in Bradford Northern's 6–0 victory over Widnes in the 1979–80 John Player Trophy Final during the 1979–80 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 5 January 1980.

Career records

Nigel Stephenson holds Dewsbury's career goalscoring record, 863-goals scored during his two spells with the club 1967–78 and 1984–86.

Family

Nigel Stephenson is the father of the rugby league footballer Francis Stephenson, his other son James is a highly regarded Community Coach with Shaw Cross Sharks & Dewsbury Rams and in 2010 James was awarded the RFL Kirklees Coach of the Year Award for his outstanding efforts in rugby league development.

Nigel Stephenson is not related to fellow Dewsbury 1973 Rugby Football League Championship winner Mike "Stevo" Stephenson.

References

External links

• Shaw Cross Sharks – Hall of Fame
• Diamond day for Shaw Cross' star production line
• Dewsbury Rams – Honours & Records
• Dewsbury Rams – History
• Playing at Smales pace sank champions
• Photograph "Neil Fox" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Stephenson about to touch down" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Stephenson scores Northern's second" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Ronnie Firth sprays the champagne" at rlhp.co.uk (upside down)
• Photograph "Peter Fox shows the Championship Trophy to youngsters." at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Jimmy and Nigel parade the Trophy" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "The Mayor shows off the Trophy" at rlhp.co.uk (upside down)
• Photograph "Northern Off Half Stephenson" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "The 1981 squad pictured at Odsal" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "1981 team v. Hull" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Stephenson Stretchered Off" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Nigel Stephenson In Action" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Nigel Stephenson Scores" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Forsyth about to crash through" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Return to Odsal" at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph "Trevor kisses the turf" at rlhp.co.uk