Stephen Michael Donlan (born 4 September 1954) is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s. He played at representative level for Great Britain and England, and at club level for Leigh, Wigan,[5] Bradford Northern and Springfield Borough, as a goal-kicking centre.[2]
Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Stephen Michael Donlan[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 4 September 1954 Leigh, England | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Background
Steve Donlan was born in Leigh, Lancashire, England, and attended Leigh Boys Grammar School. After leaving school, he joined a local accounting firm in 1972, eventually becoming Managing Director of the practice.[6]
He is the father of the rugby league footballer, and coach; Stuart Donlan.
Playing career
Leigh
Donlan was signed by Leigh in 1978 from the town's rugby union club.[7]
Donlan played centre, and scored a drop goal in Leigh's 8-3 victory over Widnes in the 1981 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1981–82 season at Central Park, Wigan on Saturday 26 September 1981.
Donlan played in Leigh's victory in the Championship during the 1981–82 season.
Wigan
In January 1985, Donlan was signed by Wigan for a fee of £28,000.[8]
Donlan played centre, in Wigan's 28-24 victory over Hull F.C. in the 1985 Challenge Cup Final during the 1984–85 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 4 May 1985.[9]
Later that year, Donlan was sold to Bradford Northern as part of Wigan's signing of Ellery Hanley.[10]
International honours
Steve Donlan won a cap for England while at Leigh in 1984 against Wales. He also won two caps for Great Britain on the 1984 Lions tour while at Leigh against New Zealand (sub), and Papua New Guinea (sub).