Brian Lockwood
Brian Lockwood | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 October 1946 Castleford, England |
| Died | 10 October 2024 (aged 78) |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby league player, coach, publican |
| Years active | 1960s–1980s |
| Known for | Playing for Great Britain, England, Yorkshire; coaching Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield, Batley |
Brian Lockwood (8 October 1946 – 10 October 2024) was a distinguished English rugby league player and coach whose career spanned from the 1960s through the 1980s. He competed internationally for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire, and played club rugby for Castleford, Canterbury-Bankstown, Balmain, Wakefield Trinity, Hull Kingston Rovers, Oldham, and Widnes. Primarily positioned as a prop or second-row forward during his playing days, Lockwood later pursued coaching assignments with Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield, and Batley.
Background
Born in Castleford on 8 October 1946, Brian Lockwood also held the role of publican during the 1980s. He managed several establishments including The Bay Horse in Methley, The Boat in Allerton Bywater, and The Sun Inn located at 719 Leeds Road, Lofthouse Gate, Wakefield.
Castleford
Lockwood featured at right- in Castleford’s 11-6 triumph over Salford during the 1968–69 Challenge Cup Final held at Wembley Stadium, London on 17 May 1969 before an audience of 97,939. He also played in the same position in Castleford’s 7–2 victory against Wigan in the 1969–70 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on 9 May 1970, witnessed by 95,255 spectators.
In the 1968–69 Yorkshire Cup Final at Belle Vue, Wakefield on 19 October 1968, Lockwood took the right- spot but was substituted by Michael Redfearn during Castleford's 11-22 defeat to Leeds. He again played right- in the side’s 7-11 loss to Hull Kingston Rovers during the 1971–72 Yorkshire Cup Final at Belle Vue on 21 August 1971.
Career in Australia
Lockwood moved to Australia in 1974 to join Sydney’s Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, where he reached that year’s Grand Final. Subsequently, he signed with the Balmain Tigers, contributing to their victory in the 1976 Amco Cup Final by delivering a key inside pass to teammate Neil Pringle, which led to the decisive try.
Hull Kingston Rovers
In January 1978, Lockwood transferred to Hull Kingston Rovers. He occupied the right- position in Hull KR’s 3-13 defeat by Hull F.C. during the 1979 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final at The Boulevard, Hull on 18 December 1979.
Lockwood was again selected at right- and received the prestigious Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match when Hull Kingston Rovers defeated Hull F.C. 10-5 in the 1979–80 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on 3 May 1980. Following this season, he signed with Oldham.
Widnes
In January 1981, Lockwood joined Widnes for an undisclosed transfer fee.
He played right- in Widnes’ 18-9 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers in the 1980–81 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on 2 May 1981. Lockwood also featured in the same position during the 1981–82 Challenge Cup Final which ended in a 14–14 draw with Hull F.C. on 1 May 1982. He participated again in the replay held at Elland Road on 19 May 1982 where Widnes were defeated 9-18 by Hull F.C.
Additionally, Lockwood appeared at right- for Widnes in their narrow 3-8 loss against Leigh during the 1981–82 Lancashire Cup Final at Central Park, Wigan on 26 September 1981.
Representative honours
While playing for Castleford (1970) and later Hull Kingston Rovers (1979), Brian Lockwood earned caps representing England, competing against France and Wales. His international career with Great Britain included appearances during his tenure at Castleford—such as participation in the 1972 Rugby League World Cup—and later with Hull Kingston Rovers, facing opponents like Australia, France, and New Zealand.
At a regional level, Lockwood represented Yorkshire, playing left- across multiple fixtures from 1969 through to 1973 against teams including Lancashire and Cumberland.
Club career
From November 1985 until May 1987, Brian Lockwood held the coaching position at Batley.
Honours
- Selected for the Open Rugby World XIII in 1980
- Inducted into the Castleford Tigers Hall of Fame
Personal life and death
Around 1967, Lockwood wed Anne (née Stead) in Allerton Bywater. The couple had three children: Kieron, Taryn, and Jarrod. His cousin was the rugby league player and coach Roger Millward.
Brian Lockwood passed away on 10 October 2024 at the age of 78.