The echoes of a storied past resonated through Barrow recently as Dick Evans, the revered former hooker for Barrow, Lancashire, and Wales, made a poignant return to the town. This visit, occurring 55 years after his final game for Barrow Rugby League Football Club, marked a significant moment for the eighty-year-old sports icon, allowing him to reconnect with the club and its enduring legacy.
Evans’ weekend in Barrow culminated in attending the Toulouse game, a modern fixture that provided a stark contrast to the rugby league landscape of his playing days. During his visit, a highlight was the reunion with his former teammate and cherished friend, Frankie Jones, evoking memories of their shared triumphs and challenges on the field. Such personal encounters underscore the deep bonds forged within the sport.
During his tenure with Barrow Rugby League, Dick Evans participated in 63 games, demonstrating his prowess as a formidable hooker by scoring six tries. He was particularly noted for his exceptional skill during an era when scrums were intensely contested, a testament to his strength and technical ability in a vital position within the forward pack. His contributions were integral to the team’s performance during the late 1960s.
Evans’ journey to Barrow began on April 4, 1969, when he was signed for a fee of £1,000 from Huyton. He made an immediate impact, debuting the very next day against Warrington. However, his departure from the club on December 28, 1970, after scoring his last try against Wigan, was tinged with personal disagreement, leading to a swift transfer despite his affection for the club, players, and fans.
Following his time at Barrow, Evans moved to Swinton, where he spent over five impactful seasons, before concluding his career with a year at Salford. Reflecting on his early life, Evans recounted a tough upbringing, having lost his father at the tender age of six. This resilience undoubtedly shaped his determined approach to rugby football and life beyond the pitch.
Evans vividly recalled the camaraderie within the Barrow squad, particularly among the tough forward pack that included Cumbrian stalwarts Frank Foster and “Spanky” McFarlane, alongside new signings Mick Murphy, Joe Robinson, and the recently departed Robin Whitfield. This formidable unit, coupled with strategic acquisitions like Lancashire Rugby Union captain Tom Brophy and Welsh prodigy Keith Jarrett, laid the foundation for a team that would become formidable opponents.
His rugby journey began early, leaving school at 15 to become an apprentice motor mechanic. His initial foray into the sport was with St Helens Rugby Union Club, where he was encouraged to switch codes. Despite being deemed “too small” by Saints, he transitioned to Liverpool City, which later evolved into Huyton, ultimately leading to his significant move to Barrow Rugby League.
Dick Evans’ career also extended to the international stage, proudly representing Wales. He toured Down Under with the national team in 1975, notably playing against New Zealand. A moment of significant disappointment came when he was the only player excluded from the final squad for the England game, a memory that still resonates. However, a subsequent trip to France saw his former Barrow teammate Mick Murphy join the Welsh squad, a reunion that led to their dominance in the scrums, showcasing their enduring partnership and skill.
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