We are very sad to report the death of former Fylde, Salford RL, Wigan RL, Leeds RL, Leigh RL & Great Britain centre/wing David Stephenson (63).
David was born in Blackpool in 1958, son of Len Stephenson, a goal scoring centre forward for Blackpool, Port Vale & Oldham Athletic. David attended Arnold School before gaining representative honours for England Schoolboys and making his rugby union debut for Fylde towards the end of the 1976/77 season. He played a full season in 1977/8 and the first half of the 1978/79 campaign. During this period he made 56 appearances for Fylde and scored 16 tries in the process.
David’s progress was soon attracting attention beyond the Fylde Coast. He was the subject of a famous incident before Christmas in 1978 when Salford RL Coach-designate Alex Murphy (a St Helens RL & GB legend and subsequently coach of six RL clubs) was checking out David’s progress at the Woodlands. Fylde’s Secretary Peter Makin became aware of Murphy’s presence and organised club stalwart Mel Whittle to escort him out of the Ground. This was a short term victory as Murphy soon after got his man.
Stephenson joined Salford and started a stellar career in the 13-man code which would see him make 370 appearances for Salford, Wigan, Leeds and Leigh as well as for GB, in the years 1979 to 1991.
Everyone associated with Fylde RFC sends their sincere condolences to David’s widow and family, including former Fylde flanker Mark. His loss is a profound one.
Photo courtesy of Wigan Warriors.