Ian Van Bellen


Ian Van Bellen, also known by the nickname of "Selwyn", was an English rugby union and professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
He played club level rugby union for Huddersfield R.U.F.C., and club level rugby league for Huddersfield, Castleford, Bradford Northern, Fulham RLFC, Blackpool Borough, Halifax, Kent Invicta and Keighley, as a, i.e. number 8 or 10, during the era of contested scrums.

Background

Ian Van Bellen was born in Huddersfield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, he suffered a stroke during late 2017, he died aged 73, his funeral took place at Huddersfield Crematorium, 64 Fixby Road, Huddersfield, HD2 2JF at 1:15pm on Wednesday 21 August 2019, followed by a reception at Huddersfield YMCA, Laund Hill, Salandine Nook, New Hey Road, Huddersfield HD3 3XF.

Playing career

County Cup Final appearances

Ian Van Bellen played right-, i.e. number 10, in Castleford's 7-11 defeat by Hull Kingston Rovers in the 1971 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1971–72 season at Belle Vue, Wakefield on Saturday 21 August 1971.

John Player Trophy Final appearances

Ian Van Bellen played as an interchange/substitute, i.e. number 15, 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.

The "Fartown Stone"

Ian Van Bellen retrieved the "Fartown Stone" when a section of the Fartown Ground, Huddersfield was being demolished, the "Fartown Stone" now resides at the Kirklees Stadium, Huddersfield.

Genealogical information

Ian Van Bellen was the son of Kenneth H. Van Bellen and Evelyn, the younger brother of Colin J. Van Bellen, and the rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s for Huddersfield; Victor T. "Vic" Van Bellen, and the older brother of the rugby league footballer; Gary Van Bellen.