Les Tonks

Leslie Tonks (birth registered second ¼ 1942^[1] in Pontefract district – 17 November 2017^[2]) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s. He played at club level for Featherstone Rovers (Heritage № 423), Hull Kingston Rovers and Wakefield Trinity (Heritage № 804), as a prop, i.e. number 8 or 10, during the era of contested scrums.

Les Tonks

Personal information
Full name	Leslie Tonks
Born	second ¼ 1942 Pontefract district, England
Died	17 November 2017 (aged 75)
Playing information
Position	Prop
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 1961–74 Featherstone Rovers 285+22 15 1 0 47 1970(Loan) → Hull Kingston Rovers 2 1974–76 Wakefield Trinity 55 1 0 0 6 Total 364 16 1 0 53

Playing career

Featherstone Rovers

Tonks made his début for Featherstone Rovers on Saturday 9 September 1961.^[3]

Tonks played prop in Featherstone Rovers' 17-12 victory over Barrow in the 1966–67 Challenge Cup Final during the 1966–67 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 13 May 1967, in front of a crowd of 76,290. He also played prop in Featherstone Rovers' 9-12 defeat by Hull F.C. in the 1969–70 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1969–70 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 20 September 1969.

Hull KR

Tonks spent the 1970/71 season on loan to Hull Kingston Rovers, playing in two matches.

Return to Featherstone

Tonks' benefit season and testimonial match at the Featherstone Rovers took place during the 1972–73 season.^{[citation needed]}

He played prop in the 33-14 victory over Bradford Northern in the 1972–73 Challenge Cup Final during the 1972–73 season at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 12 May 1973, in front of a crowd of 72,395, and also in the 9-24 defeat by Warrington in the 1973–74 Challenge Cup Final during the 1973–74 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 11 May 1974, in front of a crowd of 77,400, he is the only player to play in three Challenge Cup finals for Featherstone Rovers.

Wakefield Trinity

In September 1974, Tonks followed coach Peter Fox and joined Wakefield Trinity.^[4] He retired after the 1975/76 season.

Representative honours

On 3 April 1965, Tonks played in the first ever Great Britain under-24 international match in a 17–9 win against France under-24's.^[5]

Honoured at Featherstone Rovers

Tonks is a Featherstone Rovers' Hall of Fame inductee.^[6]

Genealogical information

Tonks' marriage to Brenda (née Noble) was registered during fourth ¼ 1963 in Pontefract district.^[7] They had children; Alan Tonks (birth registered during third ¼ 1966 (age 56–57) in Wakefield district), and Kay Lesley Tonks (birth registered during first ¼ 1973 (age 49–50) in Pontefract district).

References

1. "Birth details at freebmd.org.uk". freebmd.org.uk. 31 December 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
2. "Death of Featherstone Rovers legend Les Tonks". pontefractandcastlefordexpress.co.uk. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
3. Bailey, Ron (20 September 2001). Images of Sport - Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Football Club. The History Press. ISBN 0752422952
4. "Les Tonks". marklaspalmas.blogspot.co.nz. 8 November 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
5. Saxton, Irvin (ed.). History of Rugby League: No.70 1964–1965. League Publications.
6. "Featherstone Rovers legends added to Hall of Fame". pontefractandcastlefordexpress.co.uk. 5 November 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
7. "Marriage details at freebmd.org.uk". freebmd.org.uk. 31 December 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.

External links

• Ian Tonks & Tony Tonks