Greg's Rugby Journey
Teacher of PE and Games, Greg Bone, shares his rugby journey.
Whilst I was a student at Hymers, I got involved in all aspects that the School had to offer, especially the sport. I played 1st Team rugby and cricket from Year 11 onwards, with the School guiding me to play rugby for both Yorkshire and the North of England at U18. I have fond memories of all the staff, with the likes of Mr Fitzpatrick and the PE teachers in particular, helping to mould me into the character I am today. My last year saw my highlight of my School life, with the infamous ’96 tour to Australia!
Post Hymers, my life has been filled with Rugby in various ways. I started playing rugby semi-professionally, initially for my childhood club Hull Ionians, amassing over 200 appearances and captaining the 1st XV for three seasons during my two stints there – even scoring a try in the Junior National Cup at Twickenham! Following that was a brief spell at Morley, where I had the pleasure of playing against Saracens in the Tetley Bitter Cup.
A knee injury threw me into the world of coaching, since which I’ve coached at two fabulous local rugby clubs; Driffield and Goole. This season I’ve become Director of Rugby at Goole, and whilst there have experienced two promotions and won the National Vase Cup at Twickenham.
In the midst of all this, I worked for the England Rugby Union (RFU) for 20 years. This involved working on behalf of the local rugby clubs in East Yorkshire, helping them to recruit and retain players to grow their club, as well as in numerous many schools and colleges across the area, promoting the game of rugby. As part of my RFU work I’ve also helped support the local growth of women and girls’ rugby, and played a part in establishing Hull’s first inclusive Rugby Union team, Hull Roundheads.
And now it has come full circle, and I am glad to be back where it all started. In my old teachers and coaches, such as Mr Walmsley and Mr Exley who are still here now, I have recognised characteristics that I would hope to similarly embody in my role. I am very much looking forward to working at the school with the staff and students and especially to see the pupils’ development in Rugby.
