His 1997 try for the British and Irish Lions became one of the most celebrated in the game. After beating nine men he would slam the ball between the posts to change the fate of the tour and make himself a household name overnight.
John began as a Rugby Union player in the late 1980s before the game was considered professional. During this time he trained as a policeman. He made his England debut against Ireland at the age of 21, before embarking on a tour of Australia in 1988. Following the summer, John switched to Rugby League where he joined Leeds. During a four year spell, between 1988 and 1992, John scored 53 tries in 266 appearances for the club. In 1992 he joined Halifax, leaving a mark on the club scoring 108 tries in 434 games.
In 1995, Rugby Union turned professional, and John journeyed back, switching code in 1996 when he signed for Newcastle Falcons. His time at the club proved fruitful, despite only 3 appearances, as the club would lift their first and only Premiership title to date in 1998. In this time, he would make his debut for England and The British and Irish Lions in 1997, playing in the Lions' tour of South Africa. He would return to Rugby League in 1998, rejoining Halifax, where he would make 12 further appearances before moving to Huddersfield.
Since hanging up his boots, he has become a regular and sought-after after-dinner speaker, having been a Coach and Community Development Manager at Leeds Rugby and a Director of rugby at Cleckheaton. One of the most admired sporting personalities in the country, John's place in the history books is in no doubt. He has also been involved in charity work and is the Yorkshire region honorary President for the children's charity Wooden Spoon. Set up in 1983, the charity improves the lives of disadvantaged children throughout the country.
A sensational speaker, capable of rousing crowds with stories and anecdotes of his experiences in Rugby League and Rugby Union as well as 'that try' - he is a must-have for sports and corporate events.
