Former Hull Kingston Rovers rugby league player dies aged 51

Rugby clubs in Hull have paid tribute to a cross-code player who has died suddenly aged 51.
Julian Barkworth played both rugby union and league in Hull (photo: Hullensians RUFC)Julian Barkworth played both rugby union and league in Hull (photo: Hullensians RUFC)
Julian Barkworth played both rugby union and league in Hull (photo: Hullensians RUFC)

Julian Barkworth, a chef from Anlaby, grew up playing rugby union before switching to league and enjoying a career with Hull Kingston Rovers in the early 1990s.

After retiring from the sport, he returned to union and played for Hull RUFC before coaching at another union club, Hullensians, for 12 years.

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He passed away earlier this week and his death is not believed to be related to coronavirus.

He began playing for Hull KR at the age of 22 as a winger in the 1991-2 season and later entered club folklore.

When the team had already been relegated in 1994, in his final game for the club he scored two tries for his injury-ravaged side as they shocked title-hunting Wigan Warriors, who were one of the top teams of the era. The same Wigan side were crowned world champions after beating Brisbane Broncos in Australia just two months after their defeat.

Julian's daughter Chloe Barkworth posted on Facebook: "You were a much-loved father, son, husband, brother, cousin, rugby coach, chef, mentor and hero to so many. You left a special imprint on so many people's lives and I can’t even begin to explain the dint you’ve left right now.

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"Wish that I could walk back into your kitchen on Lowfield Road on a Saturday morning, where you used to have your motivational music blasting on YouTube, picking out your team for the latest match the coming afternoon. A coach at Hullensians for 12 seasons and the catalyst of the team's success over the years. He loved that team as much as he loved us kids!

"Before his coaching days, a much-loved and inspirational rugby player himself and he loved reliving the moment he stole the ball off Martin Offiah playing for Hull KR against Wigan in 1994, a story bragged about to many.

"Aside from all that, your soft side showed to many and you were the best father I could have wished for, we had many disagreements but you were my hero. I wish you could have seen all of the heartfelt condolences, you really needed to know how much of a true legend you were... are. I love you so much Dad, forever and always."

A tribute on the Hull Kingston Rovers - Then and Now fans' page on Facebook read: "Though not the most athletically blessed of wingers, Julian was totally unfazed by the calibre of his opposition and in ways many epitomised what the George Fairbairn era was all about; namely a predominantly local group of players who captured the hearts of fans with their spirited, never-say-die approach.

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"But with Rovers relegated and rugby union about to finally embrace professionalism, Julian returned to his 15-a-side roots and went on to establish himself as one of the most popular and well-known figures in East Riding rugby union circles, firstly as a player and then as a respected coach on the back of a 12-year stint at the helm of Hullensians RUFC."

Friends from the rugby union community have also shared their memories of Julian.

Hull RUFC director of rugby Gary Pearce said: “Julian played for me in my first spell at Hull RUFC. He was one of our main leaders and he was a larger than life character. He was a big part of our success and he will be sadly missed. It’s a shock to lose someone at his age.

“I spoke to him every Sunday because he loved being a part of the local rugby scene. He went to Turkey and was planning to coach rugby in schools and I was going to send him some kit.

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“He was a big rugby fan with a lot of knowledge. As a club, it would be nice to pay tribute to Julian at our first home game when rugby resumes. You knew how popular Julian was by the number of calls I got when the news of his passing was announced. He was very well-liked and respected.”

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