Growing up I was sports mad and played rugby for Darlington RFC where I was lucky to be in a good team of people, I started off playing under 8 rugby and played through to the senior sides until a knee injury cut short my rugby career. I also played cricket for Richmondshire cricket club although my cricket wasn't as good as my rugby! Although being brought up in North Yorkshire I was and remain a big Gloucester Rugby fan, I used to have a season ticket and grew up watching Premiership Rugby in The Shed at Kingsholm. You can't not go to Kingsholm and be in awe of the passion for rugby down there. I moved up to Newcastle over ten years ago now and in recent seasons have taken to following Newcastle Thunder in rugby league and also get along to Kingston Park to watch Newcastle Red Bulls.  ​ Outside of work, I'm a keen runner and have taken up running marathons as my hobby. I also volunteer at Leazes Parkrun here in Newcastle when I can.  ​ Rugby wise I've been lucky enough to see matches in Europe and saw Australia play South Africa in Perth a good few years ago now. I want to use this platform to discuss all things mainly rugby with a bit of running and cricket thrown in. So if you want to connect with me feel free as I firmly believe that sport has the power to bring people together and support people through the challenges that life throws at us. ​ My aim is to promote rugby here in the north east and promote sport.