13 Facts About Mike Stephenson

Michael Stephenson was born on 27 January 1947 and is an English rugby league commentator and former player.

Mike Stephenson is commonly known as "Stevo", the nickname that he is known by in rugby league and on TV, played at club level for Dewsbury, and Australian side Penrith, and played for Yorkshire and Great Britain, with whom he won the 1972 Rugby League World Cup.

Mike Stephenson played in the hooker position for most of his playing career.

Mike Stephenson was responsible for the setting-up of the Rugby League Heritage Centre at the George Hotel in Huddersfield.

Mike Stephenson was appointed an MBE, for his services to rugby league and sports broadcasting in the New Year Honours List 2017.

Mike Stephenson began his professional playing career at his hometown club Dewsbury in 1966, after being signed from local amateur club Shaw Cross RLFC.

Mike Stephenson went on to make his Great Britain debut in Castleford in 1971 against the touring New Zealand side.

Mike Stephenson won caps for Great Britain while at Dewsbury in 1971 against New Zealand, in 1972 against France, and in the 1972 World Cup against France, New Zealand and Australia.

Mike Stephenson left Dewsbury after their championship winning season in 1973 to join Australian Rugby League outfit Penrith.

Mike Stephenson played 69 games for Penrith between 1974 and 1978, scoring 21 tries.

Mike Stephenson ended his playing career in 1978 and settled in Sydney.

Mike Stephenson first appeared on British airwaves in 1988, when he was invited to co-commentate on the rugby league Ashes series in Australia for BBC Radio 2 with Eddie Hemmings.

Mike Stephenson announced at the start of the 2016 season that he would be retiring from commentating at the end of the season after 26 years.