This week two great stalwarts of Navy Rugby had their leaving runs as they left the Naval Service and embarked on adventures new.
‘Diamond’ Jim Hunter
Jim Hunter is the current holder of Navy Rugby’s Soapy Watson Memorial Trophy and for those who knew Soapy it is probably his values and approach to life and Navy Rugby that best describes the impact that Jim has had on HMS Heron rugby, Naval Air Command Rugby and latterly Navy Rugby.
A career that was almost entirely spent in the ‘junglie’ world of RNAS Yeovilton was divided between work, Field Gun and rugby has given way to a new career as Rugby Development Manager for the Maltese Rugby Union, a role that I am sure he will excel in.
For many the highlight of Diamond Jim’s Navy Rugby time would probably be being Team Manager to the Navy U23’s who won the 2010 Inter Services and in particular turning over the Army at the home of Army Rugby, Aldershot Stadium. Many of that young side have moved in to the Senior squad and will be great names in the future. However for Jim the highlight was getting in to the Navy Mariners team and having the opportunity to where the famous navy blue representative jersey. It goes to show that the great Game of Rugby will always be a players game.
Wayne ‘Cowboy’ John
Cowboy John’s contribution on the pitch was felt at all levels of Navy Rugby in both League with the Brothers and Union. In the Union code he tasted success at the highest level but was always keen to promote the game at every level. It was no accident that whilst serving on HMS Liverpool, in tandem with his Navy Rugby halfback partner Dane Smallbone, Liverpool’s rugby team was probably the best (by some distance) in the Fleet. However it will be in the Navy Blue jersey that he will be best remembered.
Cowboy has two remarkable claims to fame. In 2007, as captain, he lifted the U23 Inter Services title after the Navy having to wait twenty years before being able to achieve to wins in the age group championship. Then in 2010 he made the final kick at Twickenham in the Army Navy game for the Seniors’ to become Inter Service champions, breaking the Army;s nine year strangle hold. In both tournaments he played fly half although he was equally adept at scrum half where he played his early rugby.
This versatility along with his excellent leadership qualities made him such a valuable member of any team. Over the years that have been many fitting and justified adjectives to describe Cowboys’s contribution on a rugby feel however one that still makes me smile was written by Navy News when they talk about the ‘Powerhouse PO Wayne ‘Cowboy’ John’.
Cowboy was also a winner in Dubai with the Navy Sharks as well as the inaugural winner of the Brian Weeks Memorial Trophy for Navy Rugby’s Young PLayer of the Year.
Wayne ‘Cowboy’ John
9 Caps, 2008-2011
Inter Service Champion U23 XV 2007
Inter Service Champion Senior XV 2010
Commonwealth Cup Winner 2009
Dubai Winner 2007
Arty Shaw
Also leaving the Service and the mariners was Arty Shaw. Like Jim he was dined out in traditional Fleet Air Arm style and is another who has contributed immensely to the promotion of Navy Rugby during his time at the Inter Services and has been instrumental in championing veteran’s rugby.
The Soapy Watson Memorial Trophy
For those who do not know about the Soapy Watson Trophy it was first presented in 2007 in memory of one of Navy Rugby’s great administrators Warrant Officer ‘Soapy’ Watson. It is presented to the team support member who has contributed ‘over and above the call of duty’. A full list of the winners of the Soapy Watson Trophy can be viewed on the Navy Rugby Website.
Brian Weeks Memorial Trophy
Commander Brian Weeks Royal Navy was for many years the drive and energy behind Navy Youth Rugby serving the cause as Secretary and then Chairman. Through his efforts many players were identified and nurtured for future success in both Naval and International colours. On leaving the Service he was awarded Life Membership in 1991. In his memory the Brian Weeks trophy is awarded to the best aged group player in the lead up to and including the Inter Services Tournament. It was first awarded in 2007.
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