24 Facts About Ben Flower

Ben Flower was born on 19 October 1987 and is a Welsh professional former rugby league footballer who last played as a prop for the Leigh Centurions in the Super League, and has played for Wales at international level.

Ben Flower previously played as a second-row and loose forward for Crusaders Rugby League in the Super League, and spent time away from Crusaders RL on loan at the South Wales Scorpions in Championship 1.

Ben Flower punched Lance Hohaia in the face twice in the second minute of the Super League Grand Final in 2014, including once while Hohaia was lying on the ground, which led to a six-month ban.

An under-17 international when at Cardiff Demons, Ben Flower played for Wales in rugby union at under 18, under 19 and under 20 level.

Ben Flower was signed by the Crusaders from Welsh Premiership rugby union side Bedwas RFC, having played for regional side Newport Gwent Dragons.

Ben Flower progressed as a professional rugby league footballer throughout 2007, starting in Crusaders Colts before becoming a regular in the Crusaders first team and winning his first full Welsh cap in 2008.

Ben Flower played for Crusaders in their first Super League season in 2009, and remained with the club until their departure from the league in 2011, after which he signed for Wigan Warriors.

In 2010, Ben Flower was loaned from Crusaders to South Wales Scorpions of Championship 1, and made four appearances for the club, scoring one try.

Ben Flower made 18 appearances in his first season with Wigan.

Ben Flower played in the 2013 Super League Grand Final victory over the Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford.

On 11 October 2014 Ben Flower became the first player to be sent off in a Super League Grand Final after being shown a red card in the second minute of the match for twice punching Lance Hohaia of St Helens in the face, including once while Hohaia was lying on the ground.

Ben Flower was given a six-month ban by the RFL disciplinary committee, the longest in the competition's history for an on-field act.

Ben Flower was wished well ahead of his return by Lance Hohaia.

Ben Flower went on to make 19 appearances scoring four tries.

Ben Flower played in the 2015 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.

Ben Flower played in the 2016 Super League Grand Final victory over the Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford.

Ben Flower made a good start to the season before after 13 appearances he suffered an Achilles tendon injury ending his season.

Ben Flower played in the 2018 Super League Grand Final victory over the Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford.

Ben Flower played 18 games for Wigan in 2019 including their shock semi-final loss against Salford.

Ben Flower played only nine games for Wigan in the 2020 season.

Ben Flower was later ruled out of the 2020 Super League Grand Final.

Ben Flower retired from rugby league and signed for Welsh rugby union club Pontypool RFC in the Welsh Championship 2021.

Ben Flower made his Wales debut against England while at Celtic Crusaders in 2008.

Ben Flower represented Wales in the 2010 European Cup, and the 2011 Rugby League Four Nations, and was named in the squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.