Sidney "Syd" A. Lowdon (first ¼ 1936^[2] – 27 February 2017^[3]) was an English rugby union, and professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s. He played rugby union (RU) for British Army whilst on National Service alongside; Great Britain (RL) players Billy Boston, Phil Jackson and Mick Sullivan and Scotland (RU) player Ken Scotland, and representative level rugby league (RL) for Cumberland.At club level for Whitehaven (captain), Salford and Workington Town, as a wing or centre.

Background

Syd Lowdon's birth was registered in Whitehaven district, Cumberland, England. He worked as a butcher (at the Co-op in Salford c. 1957–59), and he died aged 81.

Playing career

Honoured at Whitehaven R.L.F.C.

Syd Lowdon, is an Whitehaven R.L.F.C. Hall of Fame inductee, i.e. one of the "Haven immortals".

Outside of sport

Syd Lowdon was on his way to see the Joe Loss Orchestra at Maryport, following the match against St. Helens at Recreation Ground, Whitehaven on Wednesday 3 April 1957, when a wheel sheared from its axle causing his Austin Healey sports car to crash on a bend opposite Workington Golf Club in 1957, he had concussion, but his passenger Dougie Dixon of Kells escaped unharmed, however the car was a write-off.

Note

There is a disparity in the spelling of Syd's forename and surname on the FreeBMD birth registration, and marriage registration entries; his name is spelled as Sidney Lowden the birth registration entry, and Sydney Lowdon the marriage registration entry.

References

External links

• The Immortals… and the Hall of Fame
• Syd Lowdon: a true sporting legend
• Teenage prodigy Syd lives boyhood dream