The sad news has reached us that John Moore our former 1st XV Captain and Coach passed away on Monday 16 September 2024 aged 76
John Moore was a Billingham boy who attended Grangefield Grammar School from the late 50s until the mid-60s when he left to train as a Chartered Surveyor locally.
He made a great impact in schoolboy and Colts rugby at Durham County level before progressing into Senior Rugby at Stockton whilst still a Colt. John progressed from initially playing as a goal-kicking fullback into being a powerful back-row forward. He captained our first XV for five successful seasons until 1975 (including our Centenary of 1973-74)
Full county honours followed during his five-year spell at Hartlepool Rovers and John returned in 1980 to play out his days out Stockton which were eventually ended by a serious shoulder injury in April 1984
Whilst John became involved in coaching our juniors in the early 80s he also became part of our 1st XV coaching team in the late 80s
When his work took him to Durham he also coached the University there for a spell before coaching Middlesbrough where his son Simon was also playing. He also took on the role of Treasurer at Boro
John’s grandson Te-Kori returned to the area from University and joined Stockton so John was a frequent supporter in recent years.
We all enjoyed his company both during and after our games, recalling the glory days of his illustrious rugby-playing and coaching career
Our condolences to his family, in particular his wife Kath, his son Simon and daughter Sarah and his grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be published later.
