Jeff Stevenson (rugby league)

Jeff Stevenson
Born	Template:Birth date Meanwood, Leeds, England
Died	October 13, 2007(2007-10-13) (aged 75)
Occupation(s)	Rugby league footballer, publican
Years active	1950s–1960s
Known for	Playing for Leeds, York, Hunslet; Great Britain international rugby league player; Lance Todd Trophy winner

Jeff Stevenson (15 May 1932 – 13 October 2007) was a distinguished English rugby league professional who competed during the 1950s and 1960s. Throughout his career, he played for clubs including Leeds, York, and Hunslet, and earned representative honours with Great Britain, the combined Great Britain & France side, as well as the Rugby League XIII team, primarily occupying the position of .

Background

Born in Meanwood, Leeds, England, Jeffrey Murray Stevenson was the youngest child among seven siblings of Harold and Kate. His education took place at Buslingthorpe School before he enlisted in the Royal Air Force. From his first marriage, he fathered two daughters, Beverley and Tracey. Following his playing days, Stevenson became a respected publican, overseeing establishments such as the Anchor Inn in Hunslet, The Fox, and The Burtonstone located in York. He later remarried and resided in York until his passing from lung cancer in 2007 at age 75.

Club career

Stevenson was instrumental as a in Leeds' narrow 9–7 triumph over Barrow during the 1957 Challenge Cup Final held at Wembley Stadium, where he earned the man of the match accolade by securing the Lance Todd Trophy before an audience of 76,318.

He also featured as a in Leeds' 24–20 success against Wakefield Trinity in the 1958 Yorkshire Cup Final at Odsal Stadium, Bradford. Later, representing Hunslet, he contributed to their 12–2 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers during the 1962 Yorkshire Cup Final staged at Headingley, Leeds.

International honours

On the international stage, Stevenson represented the combined Great Britain & France squad in their 37-31 victory over New Zealand at Carlaw Park, Auckland on 3 July 1957. While playing for Leeds between 1955 and 1958, he received multiple caps for Great Britain, competing against teams from New Zealand, Australia, France, and participating in the 1957 Rugby League World Cup. Subsequently at York, he continued to represent Great Britain facing Australia and France up until 1960.

Additionally, Stevenson appeared for Great Britain in non-Test fixtures against France during the period from 1952 to 1956 and played for the Rugby League XIII side in their defeat by France at Knowsley Road, St Helens in 1958.

External links

• Jeff Stevenson - Obituaries, News - The Independent
• (archived) Profile at leedsrugby.dnsupdate.co.uk
• (archived) Special Day For One Of Leeds' Greatest
• (archived) Jeff Stevenson RIP
• (archived) Jeff Stevenson Times Online Obituary (Paywall)