Gary Van Bellen

Gary R. Van Bellen (fourth ¼ 1957^[3]) is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played at club level for Bradford Northern (two spells), Hunslet, Leigh, Wakefield Trinity, and the Sheffield Eagles, as a prop, or second-row.^[1]

Gary Van Bellen

Personal information
Full name	Gary R. Van Bellen
Born	fourth ¼ 1957 (age 66–67) Huddersfield district, England
Playing information
Position	Prop, Second-row
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P Bradford Northern Hunslet 1984/85–84/85 Leigh 14 0 0 0 0 Bradford Northern 1987–88/89 Wakefield Trinity 40 2 0 0 8 Sheffield Eagles Total 54 2 0 0 8 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 1980–82 Great Britain U-24 2 0 0 0 0 1982 Yorkshire 2 0 0 0 0
Source: [1][2]

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 at second-row (replaced by substitute Dick Jasiewicz) in Bradford Northern's 5-10 defeat by Castleford in the 1981 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1981–82 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 3 October 1981, and played at prop in the 7-18 defeat by Hull F.C. in the 1982 Yorkshire 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 at second-row (replaced by substitute Steve Ferres) in Bradford Northern's 6-0 victory over Widnes in the 1979–80 John Player Trophy Final during the 1979–80 season at Headingley, 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, 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 (birth registered second ¼ 1942 (age 81–82) in Huddersfield district), and Victor T. Van Bellen (birth registered first ¼ 1944 (age 79–80) in Huddersfield district), and the rugby league footballer; Ian Van Bellen.

References

1. "Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org". rugbyleagueproject.org. 31 December 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
2. "Player Summary: Gary van Bellen". Rugby League Records. Rugby League Record Keepers Club. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
3. "Birth details at freebmd.org.uk". freebmd.org.uk. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2015.

External links

• Photograph 'Gary Van Bellen in action - Gary Van Bellen in action against Great Britain - 26/08/1984' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'Gary Van Bellen Takes Hit - Gary Van Bellen runs into a tough tackle in today's premiership final against Widnes, which Northern lost by 19pts to 5pts - 17/05/1980' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'The 1981 squad pictured at Odsal - The 1981 squad who retained the Championship. - 01/01/1981' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'Two sent off at Craven Park - Two of the players sent off in the famous walk off game at Craven Park. - 03/05/1982' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'Bradford Northern's Yorkshire Cup squad 1982 - Bradford Northern's Yorkshire Cup Final Squad 1982. - 02/10/1982' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'Northern's Cup semi final squad 1983 - Northern's semi final squad v. Featherstone in 1983. - 26/03/1983' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'First in the sin bin - Gary Van Bellen is the first Northern player to be sent to the sin bin - 09/01/1983' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'Ronnie Firth sprays the champagne- Chairman Ronnie Firth celebrates with the players in the Headingley dressing room after the win against Widnes. - 05/01/1980' at rlhp.co.uk (image upside-down)
• Photograph 'Northern celebrate the Championship win - Dressing room shot of Northern's Championship winning team. - 20/04/1981' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'Van Bellen and Millington 'walk'. - Gary Van Bellen and John Millington 'walk' after being sent off by referee Whitfield. - 03/05/1982' at rlhp.co.uk
• Photograph 'Gary Van Bellen goes over - Gary Van Bellen goes over for a try in the Semi final v. Featherstone. - 26/03/1983' at rlhp.co.uk