AUGUST 2023 NNOORRTTHHRRUUGGBBYY E- MAGAZINE Coaches Spotlight Player Spotlight @northrugby1 @northrugby1 Former International Ref!
Welcome Welcome to the North Rugby E-Magazine We are getting closer to the start of the season. I for one can't wait to see how the season pans out. The North Rugby E-Magazine is continuing to exceed expectations. It's not perfect but it will continue to be a work in progress. I am over the moon to announce HALBRO as a new sponsor and keen to take advantage of the publicity which is reaching in excess of 20 thousand people. To the followers. You're the ones that make things happen. I am a huge advocate of this level of rugby and feel that it goes under the radar somewhat. If you have any observations or would like to be considered for one of the future editions please contact me at [email protected] Mike Brown Image: Jackson Davies Image: Craig Ransom Photography
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I have had the pleasure in interviewing former International Referee John Pearson. For those that don’t know John Pearson, he has had quite a colourful career as a rugby referee and we have delved just a little into his fantastic career as I'm sure he will have some fab stories to tell. MB -So how did you get into refereeing? Silloth Secondary Modern were playing Wigton Secondary Modern in March 1967. I played with both PE Teachers at Silloth and then Wigton and they decided that as I was going to College in September to study PE it was time I learnt to start refereeing. They said that I knew the Laws better than them in any case!! I then refereed at College when I was injured and could not play. The teaching in my first two schools which I taught in involved a significant amount of refereeing as both schools were on the Grammar School Circuit in the South East of England. Interview John Pearson- Life as an International Referee! In 1977 after injuring my back having moved from wing/centre to hooker and splitting my appendix scar open I made the choice toreferee forKentSociety as I was Coaching Kent Schools XVs by that time and was the County Schools Union Secretary. MB -Who was the first ‘big’ game to referee? My philosophy is that all games are ‘big’ games to those who are playing in them andyouneedtoapproachthemwiththis thought in mind. I suppose that my first senior game wasBedford vBedfordshire in 1979. A first class club versus a minor County side. My first Division 1 League match (Premiership) was in April 1988 – Orrerll v Rosslyn Park. By this point in time I had already refereed County Championshipmatches.
MB- What has been the biggest highlight in your career? There have been many highlights over the 53 years that I have been refereeing. Being forced to referee a Wing PE Colleges Cup match in 1968 when the Staffordshire County appointed referee failed to turn up. Refereeing the Women’s World Cup in Scotland. Refereeing the Maccabiah Games (the Jewish Olympics) four times; refereeing the World Rugby Classic 5 times; refereeing all 3 National Cup Finals, Pilkington, Pilkington Junior and the Intermediate Cup. The Army v Navy Game and the Varsity Match. Refereeing all major Nations and a significant number of 2 tier and lesser Nations. France v Wales 5 Nations game and Reserve referee for the 1995 World Cup in South Africa having been in initially had had my selection blocked by France because I was 47 years old. I suppose the biggest highlight must be the fact that I became the number 1 referee in England from September 1994 to June 1995. Interview John Pearson- Life as an International Referee! MB- You hear about the players who are difficult to referee…. Looking back who wasyourmostdifficultplayer tomanage? – Not a single player but Johnson v Dallaglio – on the pitch they hated each other and were always trying to the extra inchover theother. MB-Onreversewhowas always someone that you looked forward to refereeing? Too many to select from although Richard Hill (Bath Scrum Half) and Steve Bates (Both at Wasps and Newcastle) were always a delight to referee as was Jason Leonard.
MB -I’ve recently read that you only ever gave out 1 yellow card in your career, is that right? Yes – this occurred in a quarter final National Westminster Bank Cup match at Barnard Castle School versus Bradford GS played in atrocious conditions (time to play it was well past). BCS had a very dominant driving maul as one might expect of a side coached by a flanker who had a game for an England XV before becoming a prop. Bradford were wanting to collapse it and eventually I told the Bradford Captain that if his players did it again he would not like my response and that history would be made and so it was. In the course of refereeing for 53 years and over 3000 games. I have only sent off 5 players and the last one was a Neath Youth player at Launceston (Cornwall) when I was a Kent Society referee, refereeing for Devon Society whilst staying at my Mother in Laws in Dorset. Some 37 years ago Interview John Pearson- Life as an International Referee! MB-The game has movedon with its laws etc… what's your opinion on how the game is at present? I think in all honesty that it has gone to the dogs – the scrum is notwellmanaged,lineoutshavebecome a farce.Offsidedominates andpost tackle is likeWWEwrestling–inthepast ifyouwent to ground on the wrong side of a ruck you expected and got punishment and then you were penalised by the referee if the oppositiongotnoadvantage.Refereeing is about laying down the parameters in which players can play with safety paramount and fairness for both sides. Clear management of players and the game with clear communication and expectations isofmost significance
MB-You were part of the game when it changed to professional. Do you think the way we look at the game has changed? The way the game is run? Money has brought about a change in attitude but probably of most significance is the way that Clubs view promotion and relegation in the Leagues. In terms of Senior rugby I have been extremely lucky to have experienced the best of the amateur and the best of the professional years before the influence of money became paramount MB-You still have a lot of involvement in the local game and still get on the pitch with your whistle. How have you found local rugby? Local rugby at the level which I now referee will always be for the enthusiast and within its own zone still remains highly competitive. The art of refereeing is to ensure that those participating are provided with enough scope to play the game to their full ability in an environment which is safe and fair. Interview John Pearson- Life as an International Referee! MB -What advice can you give someone who sees themselves as the next JP or WayneBarnes? In short because I could go on at length the following are key elements - Know your Lawandhowit ismeant tobeusedin the game context. Talk to players and understand their expectations and suck the knowledge and experience of both coach and players. Stay clear of politics. Increase your pace and fitness levels. Remember that it is the players game not yoursAND finally take whatever game you are offered as no game is beneath you – every game has its learning points and players expect you to be on your best form.
Player Spotlight Tom Eaton Stockport We catch up with Stockport play maker Tom Eaton. Someone fix the boiler for the lads! MB: The fixtures have been released. What’s the feeling on how well you will do? TE: Looks like another cracking league. We really enjoyed last year and are focussed on making sure that happens again as well as improving collectively and individually. Nothing beats winning so we just aim to do that as often as possible and enjoy the journey along the way. MB: How’s the feeling amongst the team at Stockport on how last season went? TE: We certainly feel like we left a few wins out there and could have finished higher, but were reasonably satisfied with a first season back at this level. It’s easy to reflect on where the more experienced sides made it count last year at times, we hope to learn from that this season. Image: Jackson Davies
Player Spotlight Tom Eaton Stockport MB: How did you become involved at Stockport? TE: I played right through the mini and juniors to the first team at age 18 before heading off to University. Did some full time rugby and knocked around the national leagues for the next 15 seasons or so but I always kept in touch with the club, returning to see friends and attend socials. I jumped at the chance of returning to play and coach when Dean Schofield took over and asked me to help out. MB: Any other personal ambitions on the rugby field? TE: We’re a hugely ambitious club here at Stockport and the success of clubs like Caldy have shown there is no glass ceiling to what you can achieve. The club is in a really strong place at the minute with ambitious plans well under way for the development of the clubhouse and grounds, an over flowing M&Js, an expanding ladies group, growing at senior level as we enter a 4th XV into the leagues structure this year as well as occasional vets games. I turned 41 last season and feel privileged for still being able to play the game at this level, I’d love for that to carry on this season if I’m still good enough and the body lets me…. But neither are guaranteed!
Player Spotlight Tom Eaton Stockport MB: How would you describe your style of play? TE: Emotional! I’ve never been the most talented player on the pitch in terms of athleticism or ability so I’ve always had rely on the emotional side of the game to make sure I can compete. Fortunately it’s these emotional qualities that are often most important factors in success and I’m a massive advocate of players making the most of them. Flexible too, I want this group to be able to respond to the challenges that the game presents, be that the opposition, weather, the score line or our own selection on the day, and play in a way that suits the situation best. MB: What’s life like off the field for Tom ? TE: Non stop. Wife in a demanding job, two young kids, feet don’t touch the ground. But I’m still a massive lad …. Prioritise after rugby beers, back seat middle on away trips, Ibiza in the off season, great rig, the essentials.
Player Spotlight Tom Eaton Stockport MB: Who has been the toughest team to face last season? TE: Blackburn were a real physical challenge and love the way they play. Dino’s a great bloke and has done a cracking job with them, he’s promised to bring out the Macallan 12 at their place next time, hope the band is on again we didn’t leave until late last time it was a great night! Manchester deserve a mention too, a local derby and always bang up for it. What about toughest opponent? I like the Manchester 12. Tough to tackle and niggly. Always enjoy the challenge. MB: What are your thoughts on the standard of the leagues (Regional 1 NW/NE)? TE: Really good. Some cracking players who could play at higher levels, and teams who would compete on their day. Great to see players commit to it rather than holding bags in larger National league squads. Coaching is overrated, players develop most through playing the game and should prioritise being at a level that allows them to do that. Image: Jackson Davies
Player Spotlight Tom Eaton Stockport Quick fire: Who inspired you to play? Probably my Dad, but many others along the way. Whose good on a night out? Rory Austin, probably not anymore now he’s got a Mrs. What player did you most enjoy playing with? Dave Marwick. Legend on and off the field. Night In or night out? Night out, but not too late these days. Which coach do you think helped you the most? Geoff Wappett and Andy Northey. Geoff wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea but he created leaders and winners. Rugged - The OG GOAT. If you know you know. Lee Blackett these days. Longest in the shower? No one. The boiler is broke at the minute!
STEVE HANLEY Its not often you get a chance to interview some excellent but recently I’ve been lucky to interview some real talents of the grassroots game. This interview takes things to another level. I am a rugby fan. Loved the game for over the 33 years and have watched some brilliant players over time. Steve Hanley is no exception. He was prolific for Sale Sharks. Pace, power and a keen eye for the tryline. He was unlucky to gain more England caps in my opinion. Im not going to lie - I have been star struck doing this interview but I hope you enjoy . MB - Tell us about how you started your rugby journey? My rugby journey started at Aspatria RUFC pretty much from the day I was born . I spent my full childhood there from an early age watching on a Saturday until I was of age to start the minis and juniors on a Sunday, I’ve got some awesome memories from childhood and watching Aspatria 1st XV who for a town of 3,000 people were one of the top teams in the NW.
STEVE HANLEY I’d say the highlights were the Pilkington cup games V Wasps at Bower Park when 3,000 people watched and beating Mosley in the 4th round who were a 1st Divison side at the time MB - You made your Senior debut for Aspatria aged 18. How was that? I actually made my senior debut at 16 I played in every Cumbria cup game that season including winning the final against wigton, it wasn’t until I was 18 that I was allowed to play league fixtures, so you could say I was more than ready , also Aspatria were in National 4 at the time so it was a pretty decent standard. MB - You signed for Sale. Was it a case of dreams made? I’d almost given up hope of a professional career in rugby union , not taking up the offer of scholarships I was offered meant lads in the private school system were making it to the representative level rugby infront of me therefore getting picked up by professional clubs , it wasn’t until a brief dabble with rugby league and a chance word of mouth recommendation to sale that I was offered to come for a preseason trial.
STEVE HANLEY MB - Who influenced your career? Early on my Dad and Aspatria RUFC coach Tom Borthwick. Dad was the constant, taking me to and from every game all over the county and beyond. Tommy was the coach who recognised my talent combined with a bit of size and pace wasn’t afraid to blood me at an early age. MB - You made your England debut after what was an impressive season. How can you remember about being called up? I was driving back home to my folks and my Dad was watching Sky Sports news and Clive had picked a 35 man preliminary squad which I was announced in, so the first I heard of it was from my Dad. MB - A try scoring debut hampered by then an injury. That must of been hard to take? No not really , if you let injuries get you down as a rugby player you will forever be depressed, it happens you move on and try to come back better and stronger. MB - You were known for your try scoring exploits for Sale. What made you so prolific? From an early age I had a natural gift of scoring tries . When I say gift I genuinely mean it as I’ve seen some fantastic rugby players and ball players who provide plenty of assists but scoring tries week in week out I believe comes easier to some than it does others , plus pace helps.
STEVE HANLEY MB - Can you share a story of nights out or bus trips on away games where someone was ‘loose’? I suppose the most famous one was the day I was meeting up with Sir Clive and his squad for the very first time on a Sunday afternoon and Sharks had lost at home on the Saturday. Our head coach John Mitchell who was also the England forwards coach at the time told us after the game we were to report to our ground Heywood Rd at 8:30am the next morning (myself , David Rees, Phil Greening and Barry John Mather had flights booked by England from Manchester to Heathrow at 4pm . But instead of making us run and fitness like we thought would happen ; he sent the whole squad into the car bar where her had bought 2 barrells of beer and we were made to get a pint glass form a queue around a large table and fill up your drink. Once you had you walked round the table slowly until you passed the barrels and had to fill it up again. I basically met up with Sir Clive for the first time at 7:30pm alongside 3 of my Sharks colleagues after being on the piss since 8:30 am in the morning.
STEVE HANLEY MB - Rugby players now even at grass roots level have gone to the next level. What are your thoughts on the game as it is? I enjoy all aspects of the game however I feel only the top 3 divisions should be allowed to pay players MB - Do you get much time to drop into a rugby club now? I watch Sharks at home every week. If they are away I watch Sale fc at Heywood Rd. Plus at any opportunity I watch my junior club Aspatria MB - England head into the World Cup in a transitional stage. What are your thoughts on how they will do? Tough one this as I’m very good friends with Richard Wigglesworth their attack coach. I think we will at least get to a semi final Quick fire Best mate in rugby? Alex Sanderson/ Richard Wilks (Tigers director of rugby ) Who’s good on a night out? Alex Sanderson What player did you most enjoy playing with? Jason Robinson and Mark Cueto Which coach do you think helped you the most? Jim Mallinder * Toughest opponent? Inga Tuigamala/Matt Burke Best stadium played in? Old Wembley Whose the longest in the shower? Barry Stewart
The coaches spotlight continues this month. I've had the pleasure of catching up with Ilkley's Rhys Morgan. A rugby nice guy and well respected coach. MB: Ilkley: An 8th placed finish last season. First time back in the league after a couple of seasons. Happy with how you finished?? RM: I think we got caught out a bit, we won the Leugue below and knew we were going up with four from that Leugue so expectations were high. We then lost two 9s and two 10s and our 13 who was player of the season , then lost the skipper Joe to injury with about 5 more and we were in trouble. We worked hard to turn it round and showed some real spirit after Christmas so in the end we were happy but there is work to do . Coaches Spotlight Rhys Morgan Coach - Ilkley MB: Did you set any goals for the season? RM : My goals are always the same, try win on Saturday. Others are different they aim for season highs, I am a bit scared to do that and if you reach too high in expectations you fail . My goals win on a Saturday! But I want to strive to be better placed at Christmas and then press on and let's see ! Image: Ruggerpix
Coaches Spotlight MB: Any news in incomings for the season ahead? RM: We have signed a familiar name from Otley: Charles Morgan. Kieron Wilyman and Ben Magee who were on loan have both signed to Ilkley . Jamie Slater has signed from Ripon and Adam Booth from West Park and the current squad are still with us , we are always looking for a front three forward player coach but they are hard to find . MB: Whats the coaching philosophy at Ilkley? RM: The coaching philosophy is very player lead . We want to have a team that can think for themselves on the pitch, we are quite a young team but we now have a mix of experience. We want to play good fast rugby that's good to watch and we enjoy playing . We try to understand the new rugby world and make sure players have a great rugby work life balance . MB: What are your expectations of the players at Ilkley and what can they expect from you as a coach? RM: I think the players expect us to create an enjoyable place to be at and all wish to play as high as they can and we want to provide them with that vehicle to get where they want to be . Image: Ruggerpix
Coaches Spotlight RM: cont.. My expectations of them is simply to be as committed as their life allows them to be and when they are playing, training give everything they can . We have a great environment and we all work to keep that way As the All Blacks say No Dickheads ! MB: Whats the atmosphere like at the moment down at Ilkley? RM: The atmosphere is always the same. The lads are all mates and it's a pleasure to be there. The players are everything. Without them there is no club Everyone in the club works really hard so we can just concentrate on the rugby side of things. There is a great respect for our volunteers and senior management and we have a really great connection at present. I think it's the best it's been since I've been there and that runs through all three senior teams now and it's fantastic to see home grown players coming through not just in ones but three and fours . It's a great place to play rugby . Image: Ruggerpix
Coaches Spotlight MB: Do you ahve any coaching role models? RM: am not sure about role models but I've always had great respect for Peter cleg Harrogate and otley and have asked advice from him in the past. My go to guy at present is Nathan smith ex Doni knights he breaths rugby and I am always pecking at him. MB: Do you have any coaching role models? DL: Russell Earnshaw & John Fletcher had a great influence on me during my Academy coaching days, John Widdowson from the RFU was brilliant with me in regards to stretching & pulling d believing in my personal coaching philosophy, these people really encouraged me to back a very unique look at coaching i believe I have. From the Elite game and my previous role, a Coach Developer & Mentor on the ECRA awards (Level 2 & 3), Mike Forshaw who is now the Wales defence coach was a huge role model, in regards to the energy, fun and learning that coaching allows you to do. Image: Ruggerpix
Coaches Spotlight MB: Controversial question: RFU at present. Your thoughts and ideas of ways to improve the game, the reputation it currently has? RM: I tend to really just get on with what I can control , it's a tough gig ! They are sometimes dammed if they do, they have a responsibility for players health but they have a responsibility for the game ! So they need a balance , they need to ask not dictate . I think they need a greater ground level understanding of current players/ clubs and what's realistic. Don't drive rugby in the wrong direction support and listen to grass roots as we have seen there is power there. If they don't there will be no rugby and no England. Clubs need support if not we are going to lose more than a few . That's probably about as politically as I get on the RFU I've got too much else to keep me occupied. My thoughts are it's a physical game for all shapes and sizes keep it that way. Oh and coaches should all get a free home game ticket Quick shout out to James Lowe who has been great to work alongside. Rhys Morgan Head Coach - Ilkley Image: Ruggerpix
Player Spotlight Chris Johnson Heath We catch up with Chris Johnson. An ability to play the game like no other. Style, grace and passion. MB - Chris, A strong campaign last season. What are your thoughts on last season? CJ-I really enjoyed playing in the division, for me it was great to play against teams I have never played against. As a club we were really pleased with how the season ended, with a 2nd place finish and semi finals of the cup. There were a few stand out games for us as a club, some excellent performance at home against Billingham and Alnwick where we played some excellent rugby. A lot of learnings also, especially away from home against the top teams, we didn’t play the style of rugby needed to win away games and we are targeting this in pre season to make sure we are ready for these games MB - And how’s the feeling amongst the team at Heath on how the season went? CJ - From the players point of view, a lot of the lads were playing at this level for the first time, it took us a while to come to grips with the demands needed, but towards the end of the season we felt comfortable and able to trust we have the ability to do well in this league. The league season ended really well with a strong finish to the season, but unfortunately our loss in the cup hurt a lot as we felt we could have won the game. For me it will help drive us on this season having that disappointment in the back of our minds.
Player Spotlight MB - How did you become involved at Heath having played at Sale for so many seasons? CJ: My time at Sale FC was great, playing NAT1 is a great standard and recommend any players who believe they can play at that level in this league push themselves to play for a team in that league. It didn’t end the way I wanted it to which is disappointing but when I was planning the next steps, Heath was a club I had done some training with and I had kept in touch with DOR Harry Harrison. I spoke to Harry and said I was interested in coming to Heath and we met a few times along side Mark Sales and planned what role I could take within the club. Its been a great move, the club is a great club, full of incredible people. MB -Some big names signed pre season? Big ambitions this season? We had a few senior players move on in the summer, so this year the recruitment has been about bringing in quality players to push us to the next level With Ezra and Josh we have done really well to sign both of these players given their high pedigree in the league above us. We have also 4 to 5 further signings we are really pleased with who will be announced soon,
Player Spotlight MB -What’s life like off the field for Chris? CJ - I have 2 kids so they are a big focus of mine when away from rugby. If not with my kids I am playing golf…. Absolutely obsessed with golf at the minute. MB: Who has been the toughest team to face last season? CJ- Billingham away was a tough game for us, but for me Driffield gave us a lesson when we played them away last year. I have them as favourites to win the league comfortably. MB: What about toughest opponent? CJ: Driffield’s 15 (Ben Dinsdale) or 7 (Matthew Jenkinson) were the best players I played against last season. Both games we played against them they were stand out Quick Fire Questions Who inspired you to play? My dad played rugby at Rochdale, same as my brother and uncles. So naturally started playing as I was at the club all the time. Whos good on a nightout? Ben Stringer……. One of the loosest players I have ever played with. No boundaries and can escalate a night out to levels I have never seen before.
Player Spotlight Which player did you most enjoy playing with? Away from Heath, the best player I played with is Oli Brennand from Fylde. He could do things on the pitch no other player can. Some of the tries he scored were incredible. At Heath, we had an old boy Paul Turner who was 41 last season. What a bloke and the work rate was unbelievable and set standards for the rest of the lads. Which coach helped you most? Mark Nelson, who was DOR at Fylde has helped me the most. He picked me for Lancashire, and signed me for Fylde where I played the most enjoyable rugby of my career Longest in the shower? Dave Hall – ex Wharfdale / Huddersfield Dom Walsh from Heath A massive thank you to Chris for taking time out of his schedule to have a chat. Good luck for the season ahead.
MEET THE TEAM ELLIOTT HUSBAND CAPT Pontefract RFC Next up on our meet the teams is league newcomers; Pontefract RFC. Who are Pontefract RFC? Pontefract Rugby Club (formerly 'Old Pomfretians') was formed in 1891, suspended during the war years and originally played at the municipal park. The foresight of a few of its members procured the Club to acquire its own playing fields at Moor Lane in 1956 and built the existing Clubhouse in 1967. The Clubhouse is in the process of being modernised and upgraded. Last Seasons Facts: 2023 Champions of Regional Two NE, promoted to Regional One NE Ground: Moor Lane, Carleton, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 3RX Images: Buckophotography
MEET THE TEAM ELLIOTT HUSBAND CAPT Who are Pontefracts coaching team? Head Coach: Craig Fawcett, PE teacher, former captain, RL convert Strength and conditioning: Rich Dedicoat Attack: Nick Dykes Forwards, set-piece and grit: Andy Lund Who is the skipper? Captain: Liam Kay; Vice captain: Brodie Matthews Describe Pontefractsstyle of play: Being located in the middle of Yorkshire's RL region, and although no-one likes us to admit it, the alternative form of the game has clearly influenced our style of play: hard running, dominant tackling and dynamism upfront, inventive out wide. How did they get here? Having languished in Yorkshire Division Two in 2016, we secured back-to-back promotions from Yorkshire One in 2022 and from Regional Two NE in 2023. Pontefract RFC Images: Buckophotography
MEET THE TEAM ELLIOTT HUSBAND CAPT Fun fact about Pontefract: Pontefract' originates from the Latin words 'Pont' meaning bridge and 'fractus' meaning broken. The broken bridge in question was located over the River Aire, which has its source in the picturesque Dales town of Malham and drains into the North Sea via the Humber estuary. Pontefract RFC Images: Buckophotography
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