Nigel Stephenson


Nigel Stephenson, 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, and coached in the 1980s and 1990s. He played at representative level for England and Yorkshire, and at club level for Shaw Cross ARLFC,, Dewsbury, Bradford Northern, Carlisle, Wakefield Trinity , York and Huddersfield, as a, i.e. number 3 or 4, and coached at club level for Huddersfield.

Background

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

Playing career

International honours

Nigel Stephenson played left-, 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.

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 great david topliss.

Championship Final appearances

Nigel Stephenson played left-, 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, 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, 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 a relative of fellow Dewsbury 1973 Rugby Football League Championship winner Mike "Stevo" Stephenson.