John Spencer (rugby union)
John Southern Spencer (born 10 August 1947)[1] is a former England international rugby union player.
Birth name | John Southern Spencer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Date of birth | 10 August 1947 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Grassington, Yorkshire, England | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University | Cambridge University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Early life
Spencer was born in Grassington, Yorkshire, in 1947 and educated at Cressbrook, Sedbergh School, and Queens' College, Cambridge.
Playing career
Spencer played for Cambridge in the Varsity Matches of 1967, 1968 and 1969. He played club rugby for Headingley as a centre and made his England debut at the age of 21 against Ireland at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, in February 1969. He went on to play 14 times for England, scoring 2 tries. His last game was against the President's Overseas XV in a Rugby Football Union centenary match at Twickenham in April 1971. He captained England in four internationals.
Spencer was selected for the 1971 British Lions tour to New Zealand and played in ten matches on the tour but failed to make the grade for any of the four test matches against the All Blacks. He also represented the Barbarians.[2]
Administrative roles
Spencer was President of the RFU in 2017-18 and President of the Wharfedale R.U.F.C. in Grassington. In December 2019 he was named as President of the Barbarians.
Spencer was the tour manager for the British and Irish Lions on their 2017 tour to New Zealand.[3]
Personal life
Spencer is married to his wife Amanda, and has three children, David, Hazel and Emily.
References
- John Spencer player profile Scrum.com
- "Spencer announced as Barbarians president". England Rugby. 12 December 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
- "Spencer appointed Lions tour manager" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
Sporting positions | ||
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Preceded by Tony Bucknall |
English National Rugby Union Captain 1971 |
Succeeded by Bob Hiller |
Preceded by Bob Hiller |
English National Rugby Union Captain 1971 |
Succeeded by Bob Hiller |