Karl Fairbank


Karl Fairbank, also known by the nickname of 'Konkreet', is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s, and coached in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. He played at representative level for Great Britain, and at club level for Bradford Northern, as a, or, i.e. number 8 or 10, or, 11 or 12, and has coached at club level for Halifax Under-21s, and Elland ARLFC open-age.

Playing career

International honours

Karl Fairbank won caps for Great Britain while at Bradford Northern in the 1985 - 1988 Rugby League World Cup in 1987 against Papua New Guinea, in 1990 against France, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, in 1991 against France, in the 1989–1992 Rugby League World Cup in 1991 against Papua New Guinea, in 1992 against France, in the 1989–1992 Rugby League World Cup in 1992 against France, in 1992 against Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand, in 1993 against France, and New Zealand, and in 1994 against France. He was selected to go on the 1992 Great Britain Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Challenge Cup Final appearances

Karl Fairbank was an interchange/substitute in Bradford Northern's 32-40 defeat by St. Helens in the 1996 Challenge Cup Final during the 1995–96 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 26 April 1996.

County Cup Final appearances

Karl Fairbank played right-, i.e. number 12, and scored a try in Bradford Northern's 12-12 draw with Castleford in the 1987 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1987–88 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 17 October 1987, played right- in the 11-2 victory over Castleford in the 1987 Yorkshire County Cup Final replay during the 1987–88 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 31 October 1987, and played right- in the 20-14 victory over Featherstone Rovers in the 1989 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1989–90 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Sunday 5 November 1989.

Regal Trophy Final appearances

Karl Fairbank played right-, i.e. number 12, in Bradford Northern's 15-8 defeat by Wigan in the 1992–93 Regal Trophy Final during the 1992–93 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 23 January 1993.

Honoured at Bradford Bulls

Fairbank was included in Bradford's, 'Millennium Masters', 'Bull Masters', and in August 2007 he was named in the 'Team Of The Century', one of only six players have been included in all three lists.

Genealogical information

Karl Fairbank is son of the rugby league footballer for Huddersfield and Leeds; Jack Fairbank, and brother of the rugby league footballer for Leeds, Oldham and Swinton; John Fairbank, the rugby league footballer for Halifax; Dick Fairbank, and the rugby league footballer for Oldham and Keighley; Mark Fairbank, and the uncle to Mark's son, the rugby league forward; Jacob Fairbank.