Phil Lowe Way Officially Unveiled Outside Hull KR's Craven Park Stadium
A fitting tribute to one of rugby league's greatest servants was unveiled on Tuesday 17 March, as a street adjacent to Hull Kingston Rovers' Sewell Group Craven Park stadium was officially renamed Phil Lowe Way.
The ceremony saw the former Poorhouse Lane given its new identity in honour of Phil Lowe, the legendary second-rower who played for Hull KR from 1967 to 1983 and became one of the most respected figures in the sport's history. The red and white road sign — matching the club's famous colours — was unveiled by Phil's son Andy Lowe in front of family, friends, club officials and first-team staff.
Phil Lowe passed away in March 2024, and the renaming had been approved by Hull City Council as a permanent tribute to a man who gave so much to the club and the city.
A legend's legacy
Phil Lowe's contribution to Hull Kingston Rovers is difficult to overstate. Over 16 seasons at Craven Park, he established himself as one of the finest forwards in the game, combining raw physicality with a skill and intelligence that set him apart from his contemporaries.
He represented Great Britain with distinction and was a key figure in some of the most memorable moments in Hull KR's history. His consistency, loyalty and sportsmanship earned him the admiration of teammates, opponents and supporters alike, and his name remains synonymous with everything that is best about the club.
"Dad would have been really proud," said Andy Lowe at the unveiling ceremony. "He loved this club with everything he had. To have a street named after him, right next to the ground where he played — it doesn't get better than that. Our family is incredibly grateful."
An emotional ceremony
The event was attended by Phil's closest family members and friends, alongside Hull KR officials and members of the current first-team squad. Several former teammates also made the journey to pay their respects, sharing stories and memories of a man who was as popular off the field as he was formidable on it.
Hull KR chairman Paul Sewell described the renaming as "the least we could do" for a player who had dedicated the best years of his career to the club.
"Phil Lowe was the embodiment of everything Hull KR stands for — hard work, loyalty, pride and a fierce determination to compete," Sewell said. "This street will carry his name for generations, and every time someone walks or drives down it, they'll be reminded of a true Robins legend."
Community connections
The renaming of Poorhouse Lane to Phil Lowe Way is more than just a sporting tribute — it reflects the deep connections between Hull KR and the east Hull community. The club has been at the heart of the area for over a century, and the decision to honour one of its greatest players with a permanent street name reinforces those ties.
For younger fans who never saw Phil Lowe play, the street sign serves as a conversation starter — an invitation to learn about the club's rich history and the players who built its reputation. Hull KR has already committed to creating educational materials about Lowe's career for use in local schools, ensuring that his story continues to inspire future generations.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of quiet reflection, as those present gathered around the new sign to remember a man who left an indelible mark on Hull Kingston Rovers and the sport of rugby league. Phil Lowe Way is a small gesture for a very big legacy — but it is one that means the world to those who knew and loved him.