Travelling the country to cover rugby union for TalkingRugbyUnion allows us to meet many characters, they can be volunteers, coaches, players and fans. All are passionate about the game played at so-called tiers 3 and 4 of the English game.
Their memories of former glories or their current journey up the Leagues, leaves the most ever lasting memory.
This year we have watched former All Black Scott Hamilton at Hinckley RFC; now coaches by England & Leicester Lions George Chuter. At Sale FC, you are in privileged company with British and Irish Lions former greats, Steve Smith and Fran Cotton.
World Rugby’s Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont still stands under the same tree to watch his beloved Fylde FC; and on many occasions he is joined by Brian Ashton and Malcolm Phillips. This week, my colleagues Chris Heal and Joe Harvey visited the club; interviewing former Italian International Warren Spragg and Tom Carleton ( son of British and Irish Lions winger, John Carleton)
Take a look at what they had to say
There is a rich tradition of rugby within these clubs, they are rightly proud of the players who have come through their systems to play county rugby, age grade, Premiership and International. The professionalism demonstrated from coaching to medical and from nutrition to training is evident to see.
For more rugby characters, stay tuned to TalkingRugbyUnion
