Born into a rugby family, including the President of his native Yorkshire, John’s playing career extended over 37 years in a variety of clubs from first class to junior and across a broad geographic spread. Since joining Surrey Rugby in 2013 John has served as Chair of Club Development, Honorary Secretary and, since 2019, as Chairman. John was part of the first RFU cohort to complete the RFU Leadership course and has led Surrey’s Leadership Academy over a number of years including as both facilitator and mentor. John’s earlier rugby included spells with Gosforth. Stourbridge, Old Halesonians and as a founder member of Farnham where he played at all levels from First XV to Vets before coaching mini and Junior rugby for 12 years.

Originally a linguist and trained accountant John has lived and worked around Europe leading companies in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France in addition to extensive experience in the USA, Africa and the Middle and Far East. John runs his own consulting business helping SME’s within the UK and advising both Private Equity investors and major corporates in his specialist areas. Other sporting interests include skiing, golf and, of course, as an expatriate Yorkshireman a life long devotion to red ball cricket.