Hull KR are deeply saddened to announce one of our greatest Robins, Phil Lowe has passed away at the age of 74.

The club extends it’s heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Phil Lowe was, quite simply, the finest running second row forward the game of rugby league has seen. At his devastating best, the sight of “Lowey”, his legs pumping with his characteristically high knee action and powering him through defences, thrilled his supporters and at the same time struck fear into would-be defenders.

Phil was born in Hull in January 1950, signing for Rovers from Jervis Youth Club on his 16th birthday. A former Hull and Yorkshire schoolboys’ captain, he quickly progressed through Rovers’ Juniors and ‘A’ teams into the first team, where he made his debut on 4 March 1967. He earned a regular second-row place the following season, when he appeared in 44 of the 49 matches. At 6’2”, he was very tall for this era, and he possessed a powerful physique and considerable pace.

Phil was the youngest member of the victorious 1970 Great Britain tour party to Australasia, and although he did not play in the historic series against the Aussies, he was able to work one-to-one on his game with coach Johnny Whiteley. Whiteley had tried to sign Phil for Hull FC before he joined Rovers, and was a great admirer – “He had physique and speed – a natural athlete – you could see that he was destined for success,” Whiteley said. He played 12 games for Great Britain and five for England, helping Great Britain to victory in the 1972 World Cup final.

In 1972/73, Phil enjoyed his most prolific try-scoring season, scoring 26 tries to beat Bill Sandham’s 60-year old club record for a forward. The following year, he emigrated to Australia to spend three years with top Aussie club Manly Warringah – now the Sea Eagles. He scored 25 tries in 72 games for Manly, including their only try in their 1976 Grand Final success over Parramatta.

Phil returned to Craven Park in October 1976 and was a regular member of the side until his retirement in 1983. Still at his peak when he returned, he had, whilst in Australia, added to his game by developing into a top class cover-tackler. He made a huge contribution to the 1978/79 championship success with 24 tries in 37 appearances.

In all, Phil made 418 appearances for the Robins, sixth in the club’s all-time list, and his 179 tries were bettered only by Roger Millward and Steve Hartley. He had a total of 36 second row partners with Rovers, but will always be remembered for his partnership with Paul Rose, as the two complemented each other’s games perfectly. In the course of his career, he played in a record five finals against the Black & Whites, finishing on the winning side on three occasions, including in 1980 at Wembley.

After his retirement from playing, Phil had a short spell coaching at York before two spells with the Robins as a director, serving as club chairman between 1992 and 1994 and more recently as football director.

Hull KR Owner, Neil Hudgell paid tribute to one of the club’s greatest players: ‘“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."