I first met John as an opponent in 7-a-side rugby tournaments; strong and fast and frustratingly, for those playing against him, he had an unrelenting commitment to make the tackle and win the ball. John was the classic rugby player, he would completely clean you up in the tackle, then pick you up - sometimes literally, dust you down and be the first to find you in the bar afterward to buy you a pint. After finishing university, I stayed in Sheffield and joined John at Tigers, it was the start of the club's long purple patch of steady improvement and John was the cornerstone on which that success was built. He was a great player and an inspiring captain but most of all I remember an honest, gentle, warm man with a great heart - I'm desperately sorry to hear of your passing John.