UP
Hull Football Club and the Cowan's
Father and sons from Selkirk Scotland, Jimmy Cowan, sons Stan and Ron
Jimmy Cowan father of Stan and Ron played union in the Borders before moving to Hull FC in 1924. A very good Athlete who had pace and won over 100 prizes on the track, his distances varying from 100 yards to the half mile and including the 220 yards and the 440 yards. He signed for Hull FC and made his debut against Keighley on the 6 Dec 1924 at the Boulevard ground winning 24 point to Keighley 13 point.
Stan born on the 22 December 1931, followed the same path in 1954 and, having represented South of Scotland at union, he moved to Hull FC and had great success, scoring 66 tries in 163 appearances over 12 years of service for the Airlie Birds. Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in 1959 and 1960, where Hull lost to Wigan and Wakefield respectively, scoring their only try in the latter game.
His older brother Ron, a star for Scotland and British Lions rugby union teams, made a similar move to his father and brother in 1962 when he left Selkirk for Leeds. He was enormously successful for the Headlingley Loiners before joining his brother at Hull FC in 1972.
Both brothers were special guests of Scotland Rugby League at Galashiels - where Stan had played against the All Blacks early in his career - last October when Scotland celebrated their 20th anniversary.
They were among a group of former players introduced to the Netherdale crowd at half-time of the international against France, triggering a passionate response that cheered Scotland to a second-half comeback that ultimately won them the European Championship for the first time.
Stan was an exceptional talent from an exceptional rugby family. A Winger, Scotland Rugby League has lost one of its greatest players with the death of Stan Cowan, 08 Feb 2015 aged 83, after a short illness.
This is very sad news, said Scotland RL chairman Keith Hogg. He was a very special man. It was great to meet both Stan and Ron at Netherdale last October. It was a wonderful event and a privilege to be able to celebrate the achievements of our ex-players.
The reception that they received from the crowd was very special. Scotland Rugby League pass their condolences to Stans family and friends at this difficult time.
