Hull Kingston Rovers legend Phil Lowe has sadly passed away, aged 74. One of the finest sportsman to come from the city of Hull and one of the best second-row forwards the game has ever seen, Lowe passed away surrounded by friends and family after a long battle with illness.
The former forward played over 400 games for the Robins between 1967 and 1983, and also had a successful spell in Australia with Manly Sea Eagles, with his impact on the game unquestionable on both sides of the world where he remained revered until this day.
Not only one of the greatest Rovers players, but greatest rugby league players of all time, Lowe scored 179 tries for the Robins and also represented Yorkshire, England, and Great Britain in a decorated career. He was part of the Wembley side that defeated Hull FC in the 1980 Challenge Cup final, one of five finals he played against FC, and also won the Yorkshire Cup and the Rugby League Championship and Premiership.
A Great Britain Ashes series winner in 1970 on the famous tour against Australia despite not featuring under the leadership of a later close friend in Johnny Whiteley, Lowe played in the 1972 World Cup final win, in a career that stands out against any who came before or after him.
Born and raised in Hull, a city he held so close to his heart, Lowe showed a flare for rugby league from an early age as a standout players at Jervis Youth Club. A Hull and Yorkshire Schoolboys' captain, he signed for Rovers on his 16th birthday and rapidly was elevated from the junior team to KR's 'A' team, before making his first team debut in March 1967.
Modern day Super League fans may think Lowe's size is nothing knew, but over 50 years ago his physicality and size, combined with pace and great hands, made him different from many who played the game and his used his talents to incredible effect at Rovers, which soon caught the eye on the other side of the world.
Lowe was a stellar player over in Australia, spending three seasons with Manly from 1974 to 1976, winning the 1976 New South Wales Premiership over Parramatta, scoring in the final. He returned to Hull KR in controversial circumstances, with the Sydney club involved in a legal dispute over his contract such was their desperation to keep hold of the Hull man. The matter was eventually resolved, with Lowe staying at his beloved hometown club until 1983.
After his playing career, Lowe was a director at Hull KR and also had a coaching spell at York. He was also a well-known pub landlord across Hull and the East Riding, where his career representing Rovers and the city of Hull ensured he was held in the highest of regards.
Hull KR owner Neil Hudgell has paid a special tribute to the KR great, saying; "Phil was an extraordinary man. A one-off. He achieved everything in the sport, being a Grand Final winner on both sides of the world. He was decorated for his country many times over. Phil did it with modesty and humility. He was my hero when growing up around the sport in the 1970’s.
“The sight of Phil Lowe in full flight was something no one who witnessed it will ever forget. He became a very good friend of mine over the last 20 years, we made many great memories together. He was always direct and to the point, but had a very kind heart. He was respected everywhere.
“I won’t forget our last trip down under. He met Rob Crossland and I off the quay at Manly and took us in the Steyne Hotel, his local. He was still revered there some 40 years after hanging up his boots. Phil will be greatly missed by his very many friends. A true red and white, Hull KR has lost a legend, and part of its fabric."
Across the river a current Hull FC player Jordan Lane added his own tribute. Preparing to marry into the Lowe family, the FC forward, who plays the same position, promised to ensure his daughter will always know about her great grandfather's exploits. Lane said; "R.I.P to a true gent, One of the best Englishmen to ever play the game. Honoured to be part of the Lowe family. Nova won’t forget her great grandad."
Lane's Hull FC club also showed their cross-city support, writing; "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Hull KR player, Phil Lowe - one of the city's great Rugby League figures. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Hull FC are with Phil's family and friends at this difficult time."
