John joined Orrell in the 1950/51 season, the year before the club relocated permanently to Edge Hall Road. He played his rugby throughout the 1950s before retiring from the game in 1965.

During his early playing days, John also helped to run the club bar, a role he returned to in the late 1980s and continued until around 1995.

John was selected as a Lancashire trialist on several occasions. While he never went on to represent the county, being selected for trials from what was then considered a junior rugby club was a considerable achievement.

John’s funeral will be held at St Luke’s Church, Orrell at 12:30pm on Tuesday 17 March 2026, followed by refreshments at Houghwood.

Rest in Peace John