Hull KR Legend and Lance Todd Trophy Winner, Brian Lockwood has passed away

Hull KR are deeply saddened to learn of legendary Robin, Brian Lockwood’s passing earlier this morning at the age of 78.

Born in October 1946 in Castleford, the Great Britain International made 76 appearances for Hull KR between February 1978 and May 1980. A cousin of club great Roger Millward, Lockwood came to prominence playing in the second row in Castleford’s Challenge Cup-winning sides of 1969 and 1970.

Lockwood first played for Britain whilst at Castleford, playing in the 1972 World Cup final-winning side in the second row alongside Phil Lowe, in which he created a vital try for Mike Stephenson. Spells with Canterbury-Bankstown and Balmain followed, before a return to the UK as player-coach with Wakefield Trinity in 1977.

Signed in January 1978, when Millward was player-coach, Lockwood made his KR debut at prop on 5th February in a 10-3 home win over Wigan. The following season, he made 32 appearances, scoring seven tries, as Hull KR claimed the First Division championship for the first time.

In 1979/80, Lockwood became the first and only Robins’ player to win the Lance Todd trophy, in the club’s legendary 10-5 Wembley success over Hull FC, in which he created the all-important try for winger Steve Hubbard. That turned out to be Lockwood’s final game for Hull KR, and he moved to Oldham for the start of the 1980/81 season.

Whilst he was not the biggest of forwards, at around 5’11, he was a talented ball-handler and a solid textbook-style defender, who invariably held his own against the best of his era. Brian scored eleven tries in his 76 appearances for the Robins and was a vital part of the side’s success in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Paying tribute to Brian Lockwood, Hull KR Owner, Neil Hudgell said: 'The loss of Brian is a real blow to everyone at Hull KR. He (Brian) was a stellar player of his generation and our only ever Lance Todd Trophy winner from the 1980 Challenge Cup Final, ensuring his legacy in our history will endure. He was in regular contact with the club until very recently, and his presence will be missed by all who knew him. We send our love and condolences to his family and many close friends.