Phil Lowe
Phil Lowe | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 January 1950 Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 20 March 2024 (aged 74) |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby league footballer, coach, publican, electrician |
| Years active | 1960s–1980s (player), 1983–1987 (coach) |
| Known for | Rugby league forward; member of 1972 Great Britain World Cup winning squad |
Philip Thomas Lowe (19 January 1950 – 20 March 2024) was an English professional rugby league player and coach, known for his role as a forward spanning the 1960s through the 1980s. He was a member of the Great Britain squad that secured victory in the 1972 World Cup, and also earned caps representing both England and Yorkshire. At the club level, Lowe’s career included significant tenures with Hull Kingston Rovers and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, before transitioning into coaching at York F.C. after retiring from playing.
His teammate Mike Stephenson praised Lowe for his "magnificent physique" and remarkable talent in breaking tackles, emphasizing his effectiveness as a forward who skillfully operated in wide center positions.
Background
Born in Hull, located in East Riding of Yorkshire, England, Lowe was the son of Herbert William, who worked as a bricklayer, and Marion, employed as a kitchen supervisor.
Hull Kingston Rovers
Lowe featured at in the closely contested 8–7 triumph of Hull Kingston Rovers over Hull F.C. during the 1967–68 Yorkshire Cup Final held at Headingley, Leeds on 14 October 1967.
He earned the distinction of being Hull Kingston Rovers' 'Player of the Season' twice, first in 1968–69 and again in 1972–73. Notably, his tally of 26 tries during the 1972–73 campaign set a new club record for a forward, surpassing William Sandham's previous mark of 25 tries established in the 1912–13 season.
Manly
In 1974, Lowe transferred to the Manly-Warringah club after secretary Ken Arthurson secured his move for a £15,000 fee paid to Hull Kingston Rovers. Joining forces with fellow Great Britain international Mal Reilly and local standout Terry Randall, Lowe became part of one of the most formidable back rows in the Sydney premiership. Across three seasons competing in the New South Wales Rugby League, he appeared in 72 matches and scored 25 tries. Among his highlights was scoring Manly's sole try in their victorious 1976 Grand Final against Parramatta. His teammates included Australian internationals such as Graham Eadie, Russel Gartner, Bob Fulton, Terry Randall, along with English players Gary Stephens and Steve "Knocker" Norton.
Hull KR / Manly dispute
A contractual disagreement emerged in April 1977 when Manly asserted that Lowe had committed to two additional seasons, yet Hull KR declined to release him without an extra £10,000 payment. The matter was escalated to the International Board, while the Rugby League Council advised Hull KR against fielding Lowe until a decision was reached. Despite legal counsel, Hull KR played him during the opening round of the 1976–77 Premiership against Warrington, resulting in their expulsion from the competition.
By June 1977, Manly terminated Lowe's contract following Hull KR’s payment of undisclosed compensation. Subsequently, in July, the High Court declared the League's suspension of Lowe unlawful and issued an injunction preventing any disciplinary measures against Hull KR.
Return to Hull KR
Lowe took up position at during Hull Kingston Rovers' 26–11 win over St. Helens in the 1977 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final at Craven Park, Hull on 13 December 1977.
He also played at in Hull KR’s 3–13 loss to Hull F.C. during the 1979 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Final held at The Boulevard, Hull on 18 December 1979.
Lowe was integral to the Hull Kingston Rovers squad that captured the Rugby League Championship title in the 1978–79 season.
At Wembley Stadium on 3 May 1980, before an audience of 95,000 spectators, he played at as Hull KR defeated Hull F.C. 10–5 in the 1979–80 Challenge Cup Final. He also featured at in the narrow 7–8 defeat by Leeds during the 1980–81 Yorkshire Cup Final at Fartown, Huddersfield on 8 November 1980. Additionally, he lined up at in Hull KR’s 9–18 loss to Widnes at Wembley on 2 May 1981 before a crowd of 92,496.
Contributing at , Lowe helped secure an 11–7 win over Hull F.C. in the Premiership Final at Headingley, Leeds on 16 May 1981 attended by 29,448 fans. His testimonial match with Hull KR took place that same year. He also played at during Hull KR’s 4–12 defeat by Hull F.C. in the John Player Trophy Final held at Headingley on 23 January 1982.
Lowe announced his retirement from professional rugby league in February 1983.
International career
Lowe made his international debut for Great Britain as part of the victorious 1970 Ashes squad, marking the occasion by scoring two tries in a 33–16 triumph over New Zealand in Auckland. The Ashes series consists of a best-of-three test match contest between Great Britain and Australia.
During his tenure with Hull Kingston Rovers, Lowe played a crucial role in Great Britain’s success in the 1972 Rugby League World Cup Final.
Although chosen for the 1977 Rugby League World Cup squad, he ultimately withdrew due to an unresolved contract disagreement involving Hull KR and Manly.
Coaching career
In March 1983, Lowe took on the coaching role at York, guiding the team to promotion and reaching the Challenge Cup semi-final before stepping down in March 1987. Additionally, he held a position as a director at Hull Kingston Rovers and was the manager of England’s Rugby League World Cup squad in 1995.
Personal life
Lowe was married to Avril and together they had two children, Kate and Andrew. Following his rugby career, he pursued work in hospitality as a landlord, overseeing several pubs across the Hull and East Riding regions. He was also a certified electrician and engaged in property investment ventures.
Phil Lowe passed away on 20 March 2024 at the age of 74. His funeral service took place at Hull Kingston Rovers’ Craven Park on 15 April 2024. Before his passing, he transferred ownership of The Shakespeare pub in Baxtergate, Hedon, to his daughter.
Honours
Hull Kingston Rovers
- Yorkshire Cup: 1967–68
- BBC2 Floodlit Trophy: 1977–78
- RFL Championship: 1978–79
- Challenge Cup: 1979–80
- Rugby League Premiership: 1980–81
Manly
- NSWRL Premiership: 1976
Great Britain
- Rugby League Ashes: 1970
- Rugby League World Cup: 1972
External links
- 1950 births
- 2024 deaths
- British publicans
- England national rugby league team players
- English rugby league coaches
- English rugby league players
- Great Britain national rugby league team players
- Hull Kingston Rovers players
- Manly Warringah Sea Eagles players
- Rugby league players from Kingston upon Hull
- Rugby league second-rows
- York Wasps coaches
- Yorkshire rugby league team players
- 20th-century English sportsmen