How did you get involved in MRC?
Joined for 1987/88 season as a coach. First year of the leagues. I had stopped playing because of repeated injury – dislocated shoulder. Coached for a season with Tony Ayin. The following season Denis Kelly came over from NZ and I thought I’d give it one more go. Almost 3 full seasons and then was twatted from behind during a cup final at LSH: ending both my rugby career and eventually my professional career as a dentist. Stood on the touchline for a few seasons while my mates were still playing as we moved up the leagues and into semi-professional rugby. My mates eventually stopped playing. By then the first team was selected from a squad of individuals and became strangers to Joe Supporter as well as me. The atmosphere and spirit disappeared along with my love of the club. I struggled with what was happening and would probably have left but for the solidarity of the old timers you still see around the place.
Then the inevitable happened. Gareth started playing at U12’s. Neil James was the coach and within a season or two I had joined him. I was back in and have never looked back. Not even through the dark days when as President and then Chairman I guided the 1st team down through 5 leagues in 5 successive seasons, and then finally promotion before stepping down. If it had been soccer I’d have been sacked long back.

What makes you stay in rugby?
The people. Rugby people have a special connectivity. I cannot put my finger on it but there’s something about the sport that gives it its uniqueness. It requires players of vastly difference skills and size, to each play their part. It requires discipline in what is, in reality, quite a violent game. It requires respect. But most of all it engenders great stories and friendships, often lifelong.

Biggest achievement/proudest moment in rugby:
There were so many in my own career!! Watching my (and Neil’s) colts progress into senior rugby. Very happy to watch the 1st team win at home against Old Northamptonians on 25th March 2011 to bring to an end a string of 84 league defeats (or was it 87) and very proud that Gareth, Tom and Charlie were part of that team!

Vision for the future of Manchester Rugby Club:
To introduce as many people as possible to the game of rugby, to continue as a community rugby club fielding teams at all levels. The mark of a successful club is a full clubhouse on a Saturday or Sunday.

What do you do away from rugby?
Work, go the gym and play golf. I am not sure about the last two. Sometimes I take Colette out to a nice restaurant.

Quick fire answers:
Favourite food: Tomato Sandwich
Favourite film: Caddyshack (Bill Murray)
Professional club supported: Sale Sharks although I have an affinity for Gwent Dragons. It is just too far to travel.
Who would play you in the film of your life? Leo McKern (google it)
Pet peeve: Picking just one is difficult. People leaving rubbish behind or worse opening the car door and putting the remnants of your meal under the car before driving off. *****!
Advice for new players: Keep fit to enjoy the game as best you can and to stay injury free. Play as much as you can – YOU ARE A LONG TIME RETIRED!
Advice for those wanting to volunteer: Thank you.