Stanninngley pay tribute to Leeds RL legend on South Wales trip

Local Leeds community club Stanningley took time out on their recent visit to South Wales to pay tribute to legendary former Leeds RL coach Roy Francis.

Stanningley were drawn away to South Wales Jets in the first round of the Betfred Challenge Cup and as part of their visit they visited the newly unveiled memorial to Francis in his home town of Brynmawr.

Born in 1919, Roy played rugby union for Brynmawr before switching codes and playing rugby league for Wigan in 1936.

He joined Barrow in 1939, where after the war his form saw him called up to the Great Britain squad. In 1947 he became the first black man to play for Great Britain, scoring two tries against New Zealand. He served as a physical training instructor in the north of England during World War Two. He ended his playing career with a remarkable record of 229 tries in 356 games.

After his playing career, he coached Hull to the Championship title in 1956 and 1958, and Leeds to the Challenge Cup in 1968.

After a spell coaching in Australia, he returned to Leeds and won the Premiership in 1974. He retired in 1977 and died in 1989.

Local Leeds community club Stanningley took time out on their recent visit to South Wales to pay tribute to legendary former Leeds RL coach Roy Francis.

Stanningley were drawn away to South Wales Jets in the first round of the Betfred Challenge Cup and as part of their visit they visited the newly unveiled memorial to Francis in his home town of Brynmawr.

Born in 1919, Roy played rugby union for Brynmawr before switching codes and playing rugby league for Wigan in 1936.

He joined Barrow in 1939, where after the war his form saw him called up to the Great Britain squad. In 1947 he became the first black man to play for Great Britain, scoring two tries against New Zealand. He served as a physical training instructor in the north of England during World War Two. He ended his playing career with a remarkable record of 229 tries in 356 games.

After his playing career, he coached Hull to the Championship title in 1956 and 1958, and Leeds to the Challenge Cup in 1968.

After a spell coaching in Australia, he returned to Leeds and won the Premiership in 1974. He retired in 1977 and died in 1989.

Whilst Francis was well known in Rugby League towns across the North of England, his achievements were relatively unknown in Wales, even in his home town until recently. Local campaigning and fundraising led to the completion of a monument to Francis and things went full circle last weekend when former Leeds player Ashton Golding took his side, Stanningley, down to Wales to pay tribute. 

Ian Haywood, the founder of the monument, met both Stannningley and South Wales Jets players and spoke about Roy's life and the impact he had not only on Rugby League but coaching methods. Roy experienced various levels of discrimination however despite this transformed coaching both here and abroad.

Paul Townend from Stannningley commented, "It was an honour to remember both Roy and his work and the role he played in some of Leeds Rhinos success." Stanningley were given a Leeds Rhinos shirt from the club to donate to the memorial efforts which was presented on the day.

Stanningley, who reached the third round of the Challenge Cup last year following convincing wins over Milford and Fryston Warriors, proved too hot to handle for South Wales Jets. The Jets, at their heart a charity side with a passionate focus on tackling mental health and breaking down stigmas, gave everything in their inaugural Challenge Cup match, but favourites Stanningley were good value for their 40-4 win. Joseph Phipps grabbed a try in each half as Stanningley raced into a 40-0 lead, but Ben Jones scored a late consolation try to finally put the Jets on the scoreboard.