Leonard Constance


Leonard "Len" Constance was a Welsh rugby union, and professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s and 1950s, and coached rugby league in the 1950s. He played representative level rugby union for Hampshire, and at club level for Newport RFC, Bristol, Portsmouth, Royal Navy and Combined Services, as a fly-half, i.e. number 10, and representative level rugby league for Wales, and at club level for St. Helens, Dewsbury, Wigan, and Wakefield Trinity, as a, or, i.e. number 3 or 4, or 6, and coached club level rugby league at Dewsbury.

Background

Len Constance's birth was registered in Pontypool district, Wales, he was a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and he died aged in Wales.

Playing career

International honours

Len Constance won 3 caps for Wales in 1948–1951 while at St. Helens, and Dewsbury.

County League appearances

Len Constance played in Wigan's victory in the Lancashire County League during the 1951–52 season.

Notable tour matches

Len Constance played, and scored a goal in Wigan's 8–15 defeat by New Zealand at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 3 November 1951.

Club career

On Thursday 20 January 1949, Leonard Constance was sold by St. Helens to Dewsbury for £2000 along with Harry Street who was sold for £1000, the £3000 raised, contributed to the £4000 St. Helens paid Belle Vue Rangers for Stan McCormick, Constance made his début for Wakefield Trinity during September 1952.

Coaching career

Club career

Len Constance was the coach of Dewsbury from Tuesday 10 July 1951, until 21-days later when he placed himself on the transfer list on Tuesday 31 July 1951, shortly after this he joined Wigan on-or-before Saturday 18 August 1951.

Outside of rugby

Leonard Constance taught at Rivington Road School in St. Helens, where another Welsh St. Helens player, Don Gullick also taught

Genealogical information

Leonard Constance's marriage to Elsie B. was registered during fourth ¼ 1948 in St. Helens district, they had children; Susan H. Constance, Gillian K. R. Constance, and Michael S. Constance.