A-As' Committee Members

Peter Hughes B.E.M.

10 Nursery Close, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 1NS

T:  01772 623934

E:  peterhughes855@gmail.com

Gill Burns M.B.E.

31 Sinclair Avenue, Prescot, Merseyside, L35 7LJ

T:   07802 166598

E:  burnsgillian@hotmail.com

Paul Weare

C/o Firwood Waterloo FC, St Anthony's Road, Merseyside, L23 8TW

T:  0151 924 4552 / M:  07739 042930

E: paul.weare1958@blueyonder.co.uk

Andrew Gardiner

Bridle Cottage, Kings Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5PZ

T:  07592 776085

ag23466@live.co.uk

John Greenwood

Letcliffe, Manchester Road, Barnoldswick, Lancashire, BB18 5HE

T:  01282 852970 / M:  07957 900930

E:   jgrugby@btinternet.com

The late Stuart Faulds

John Spencer

Paul Billington

T:  07498 734685

E:  paulrbillington@yahoo.co.uk

Roly Heptonstall

T:  07977 09244

E:  rolyhep@googlemail.com

Greg Nicholls

T:  07759 542039

E:  greg.nicholls@hotmail.com

Stuart Oliver

T:   07739 403500

E:  swo@sedberghschool.org

Jack Weare

T:   07872 932623

E: jack.weare@merchanttaylors.com

Roley Heptonstall

T:  07977 09244

E:  rolyhep@googlemail.com

Biography

I am a retired dentist living in Leyland. I have played for Oldham and Kersal, (now called Altrincham Kersal), before moving to Burnley in 1963 when I started refereeing with the Manchester & District Referees Society and also joined Calder Vale, (now Burnley RUFC). I have refereed four Internationals. I was Lancashire County RFU President from 1996 to 1997 and Representative on the RFU Committee from 1987 to 1997 when I was one of Will Carling’s original ‘Old Farts’. 

Involvement

I have toured with the A-As' Supporters Group to Kenya in 1965 and Eastern Canada in 1967. I have refereed nearly fifty A-As' matches. I have been Fixtures Secretary for a decade since the start of the century and managed A-As’ parties to the Caribbean Sevens in 2000 and 2001, as well as to the Dubai Tens in 2005 and 2006. I was invited and accepted the role A-A’s President in 2020. 

Memories

I have made several lasting friendships, starting with Monsieur le President Stewart Faulds on to Ken Woolley, John Gardiner and Graeme Marrs, amongst many others, with whom I shared different tours, and many glasses, to faraway exotic places. I have fond memories of watching numerous exciting matches, usually with flowing Rugby, although being more pragmatic when we needed to win when playing abroad. Meeting many players from a variety of clubs of all different levels, always mindful of the club’s motto – ‘Sine Mores Nihil’.

Biography

Retired teacher living in Prescot, now running a small business, ‘Cushty Kit’ making cushion covers out of rugby shirts. I played for and captained Waterloo, Lancashire, The North, England, The Classic Lionesses, The World XV. I have 73 England caps and was England Captain from 1994 to 1999 and World Cup winner in 1994. I retired from England in 2002 before becoming President of the RFUW from 2002 to 2012. I was President of Waterloo from 2004 to 2006. I received an MBE for Services to Rugby in 2005 and inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014. My current role is Lancashire County RFU President 2019/20 and 2020/21. 

Involvement

I have only ever been a supporter but I first watched the AA’s play in 1990 when my ex-partner played for the team. 

Memories

I was intrigued by the unique history and excellent camaraderie of this interesting squad and its supporters. Being an advocate for rugby friendships and the fun enjoyed on rugby tour I have been an AA’s supporter ever since. I hope to create some lifelong memories during my tenure as Vice President.

Biography

I am a commercial property agent living in Wilmslow.  I have played for Sale FC, Broughton Park and Richmond, including the occasional call ups for Cheshire.  I have also spent seasons with Saintes (France) and Nowra RFC (Australia). 

I coached the Wilmslow Colts from 2009 to 2015, and currently back coaching again with the U9‘s .

Involvement

My AA tours include Spain, Jersey, Ireland, South Africa, Far East and Australia plus playing in a further 30+ matches over the years. 

Memories

The mid match postponement for a tropical thunder storm during a match vs Kuala Lumpur. An AA’s match vs Dispatch in Port Elizabeth for violence, aggression, poor refereeing, excellent rugby and a massive partisan crowd. Playing against Spanish Universities under floodlights at the Olympic Park in Barcelona.

Biography

A retired Clinical Director, having worked in the NHS for 35 years, specialising in Forensic Psychiatry. Currently Vice-Chairman, a member of the Board of Directors and 1st XV Manager at Firwood Waterloo Rugby Club. Coached Mini & Junior Rugby, Colts rugby and at Edge Hill University for 6 years. I played rugby at school, but had other interests out with. I live in Merseyside. I’m a frustrated guitarist of some 50 years, collecting both guitars and watches, with not enough of both of them! I have two grown up children, Jack and Abby.

Involvement

I offered my services and they were duly accepted over a year ago. I am the Secretary for the AA’s and relatively new to the Club.

Memories

Being a very proud father when my son was asked to play for the AA’s and recently, having an excellent dinner with current and former AA’s during our trip to play Cambridge University RUFC earlier this year.

Biography

I started playing rugby at New Brighton, then played at Sale FC (Pre-Sharks!), Bournemouth, Chester, Northern, and finished my career at Chester. My work was the reason for changing clubs and in those days, clubs welcomed new players. I represented Cheshire whilst at Sale & Chester, Dorset & Wiltshire whilst at Bournemouth and Northumberland whilst at Northern. My other representative honours included British Polytechnics and a run out for England Students. After playing, I took up coaching and attained RFU Level 2. Certificates weren’t needed back in the day! 

Involvement 

The late great John Gardiner invited me on my first AA trip – Cambridge University (away) whilst at Sale back in the late 1980’s. My AA tours include  France/Spain, Australia, Hong Kong, South East Asia, South Africa and the Caribbean (twice). Due to work and travel commitments I joined the South Africa tour from Australia, and the Caribbean Sevens tours from the New York State. 

Memories

My last game for the AAs was against Sedbergh, and I must have been in my mid-forties! Other lasting memories concern a number of fabulous tourists, Andy Atkinson and his brother Peter, Andy Yates, and the ‘Laundry Van’ crew! ‘Bad-boy’ Lumley and ‘Good-boy’ Mitch! Paul Grayson, a very talented sportsman he was. Rooming with Dave Barnes in Australia, that lad did not sleep, it was like being with a Labrador puppy!! David ‘Chicken Legs’ Strettle. He was quick. Looking after some of the younger lads in Thailand, trying to explain that all was not as it seemed with the ‘Ladies’! Jason ‘The Voice’ Ashcroft. Always on hand for a few verses of traditional rugby tunes. The Caribbean Sevens were fantastic trips. We played in freshly laundered white shirts courtesy of the late great Graeme Marrs, who had the kit washed and dried back at the hotel between games!! What a legend. Fantastic times. Sadly the game has changed.

Biography

I'm a Criminal Lawyer having joined the family law firm straight from school. I sadly, missed out on the opportunity of University rugby (and social life!!). I represent defendants nationwide who are charged with serious crime.

I have represented Wharfedale, Fylde, Vale of Lune and Caldervale (now Burnley). Also, representative rugby with Anti Assassins and Richard Greenwood’s Shireburn Gents.

Involvement

At the end of my playing career I became involved in rugby administration at various levels. 

In 2007 I accepted an invitation as 1st XV Team Manager and then Director of Rugby at Fylde. I enjoyed 10 years with Fylde, although I hadn’t appreciated the massive amount of work involved when first taking on the role.

I also got involved with Lancashire and the North of England Counties, managing the squads at U20 level.  I have been a Board member with the County for a number of years and also Chairman of Selectors, Chairman of Discipline and Vice President.

As well as my role in discipline for the County, I am also a Judicial Officer for the RFU, Six Nations and European Rugby (EPCR).

Biography

I'm a lifelong member of Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC, President2012-2018, Club Director.

I played one season for Carlisle RUFC, and one season for Wimborne RUFC,
Dorset, whilst working for the Rank Organisation.

I'm an owner and occupied farmer from 1968 and hunted and ridden as an amateur National Hunt Jockey for 30 years in point-to-points and under National Hunt Rules.

Involvement

I joined the AA's committee in 2015 and appointed Honorary Treasurer in 2017 to 2020.

Biography

I am a retired school principal living in Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley.

I have played club rugby for Waterloo FC from 1965 to 1976. I have represented the club as a player captain, coach and president 

I played for Lancashire County RFU in the late 60’s and early 70’s winning the County Championship in 1969 against Cornwall at Redruth.

Involvement

I have been a committee member for the last 10 years and now represent the AA’s on the Lancashire RUFC clubs Committee.

Memories 

Playing for the AA’s in the 70’s and now representing the club at fixtures including Old Sedberghians, Lancashire Royals, Cheshire Harvesters and Cambridge University, the Royal Navy and the British Police.

Biography

I am the Director of Sport at Sedbergh School and have coached the 1st XV at Sedbergh since 2005.  I have enjoyed playing and coaching teams against the A-A’s for years as well as playing for them. As a player, I have played for Sheffield, Rotherham and Kendal and of course played fixtures and enjoyed tours for the Assassins which is made up of Sedbergh School staff.  

Involvement 

I have enjoyed hosting the A-A’s at Sedbergh for years now.  I was cooperated into the A-A’s at the request of the late Graeme Marrs to help get a team to play against Cambridge in 2015 and have been part of the committee ever since.    

Memories

I have been involved in numerous exciting matches of Sedbergh OS v A-A’s in the glorious September sunshine.  It is always fast flowing and enjoyable Rugby.  I have attended and enjoyed many “meetings” with committee members, which has always involved good food and lots of alcohol!  My debut for the A-A’s was in 2015 against Cambridge, and got yellow carded in the first five minutes for foul play, this unfortunately made it onto social media platforms for the Sedbergh schoolboys to read about the next day!!  I was delighted to win against Cambridge in 2019 with the late Graeme Marr watching in the stands at Grange Road.  

Biography 

I am currently Head Coach at Blackburn RUFC and still playing.  My previous clubs have been Fylde, Clifton, Plymouth, London Welsh and Bristol.

Involvement

I serve on the Committee being able to give the view of a Coach and present player, having played at  a variety of levels.

I have played for the A-As on numerous occasions including matches against Sedbergh, Cambridge University, Lancashire Royals and the Ibiza Tens.  

Memories

Meet up with team-mates and enjoying a day playing rugby with some socialising after. Visiting Ibiza and playing in the Tens with five days socialising and some rugby!!

Biography 

Master in charge of Rugby at Merchant Taylors Crosby.  I currently play in the back row for Firwood Waterloo FC, having been captain for three seasons.

Involvement

I serve on the Committee being able to give the view of a schoolmaster and present player as well as helping my father with IT matters.

I have played for the A-As several times.

Memories

Playing in some amazing invitation games at places I would not usually get the chance to visit.

TBC