This Saturday sees the latest in the series of the Alan Todd Memorial challenges between ourselves and our neighbours Middlesbrough Rugby Club – the first one being held at Xmas 2003 approximately nine months after Alan had sadly passed on.

Alan came from a non rugby school and after a spell in the Royal Navy first played for Stockton in the 1950s as a winger, but like all sensible backs, he eventually gravitated to the warmth of the front row.

Alan played many first team games, including the Durham Cup Final of 1964 when Stockton were defeated by Durham City who at the time had three England internationals playing for them, fly half Mike Weston, hooker Stan Hodgson & winger John Ranson.

His competitive career was ended by a knee injury, which in later years necessitated a replacement joint. In the 1970s he commenced his admin career in Stockton RFC as Chairman in 1976, and became our President in 1990. Simultaneously he was our Durham County representative and proudly became President of Durham County Rugby Union during season 1998-99.

Alan also played a large part in ensuring our Junior Section took off during the 1970s and two of his sons, Steve and Chris, played 1st team rugby for Stockton