Gary Van Bellen


Gary R. Van Bellen is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played at club level for Bradford Northern , Hunslet, Leigh, Wakefield Trinity, and the Sheffield Eagles, as a, or, i.e. number 8 or 10, or 11 or 12, during the era of contested scrums.

Background

Gary Van Bellen's birth was registered in Huddersfield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.

Playing career

County Cup Final appearances

Gary Van Bellen played left-, i.e. number 11, in Bradford Northern's 5-10 defeat by Castleford in the 1981 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1981–82 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 3 October 1981, and played right-, i.e. number 10, in the 7-18 defeat by Hull F.C. in the 1982 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1981–82 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 2 October 1982.

John Player Trophy Final appearances

Gary Van Bellen played right-, i.e. number 12, in Bradford Northern's 6-0 victory over Widnes in the 1979–80 John Player Trophy Final during the 1979–80 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 5 January 1980.

Club career

Gary Van Bellen made his début for Bradford Northern against York at Clarence Street, York, he played, and scored a try in Bradford Northern's 6-11 defeat by Featherstone Rovers in the 1982–83 Challenge Cup semi-final during the 1982–83 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 26 March 1983, he made his début for Leigh during the 1984–85 season, he played his last match for Leigh during the 1984–85 season, he made his début for Wakefield Trinity during February 1987, and he played his last match for Wakefield Trinity during the 1988–89 season.

Genealogical information

Gary Van Bellen is the younger brother of Colin J. Van Bellen, and Victor T. Van Bellen, and the rugby league footballer; Ian Van Bellen.