RIP John and thanks for everything

» AFTER I captained Gloucester in the 1994/95 season, rugby went professional the following season meaning players were going to get paid legitimately for the first time in the game’s history.

Players had to make decisions to give up their day job or take a giant step into the unknown.

At this time Richard Hill was the head coach at Gloucester and I was called in to see him.

He was very matter of fact, saying the club was going to offer me a oneyear deal, which I had to accept or decline within 48 hours.

I worked at Whitbread and was very happy doing so, and had to consider giving up the security of my day job for a one-year playing contract.

In my heart I knew I wanted to play the pro game for the city of my birth but at the same time I had to be practical.

As I went back to work, I arranged to meet Whitbread’s MD to discuss my future. His name was John Moore.

When I told him the situation, he looked at me and said this is once in a lifetime opportunity that I must take.

Those words gave me so much confidence and security.

My dreams became reality and I played a further nine years as a pro, meeting players from across the globe, many of whom have become friends for life.

I lifted trophies for Gloucester and have memories that will live with me for the rest of my life.

Sadly, John passed away all too soon recently and I know as chairman at Newent Rugby Club he will be terribly missed.

It is a tough time for the Green Army, who also lost founder and president Mike Poole BEM in the same week.

I would like to dedicate this column to John for giving me the confidence to make that life changing decision.

I would not be writing this column now if it was not for you. RIP my friend.