Mitres Players

Adam Brown

Position: 2nd Row
Description: Adam joined the club at the start of last season and has become a valuable member of the club after a number of seasons without playing rugby due to injury. His previous rugby experience includes playing for the army. Adam is one of a handful of our players that are police officers.

Adam Rykala

Position: Back Row
Description: Adam Rykala joined us a number of years ago from John Fisher. He missed last season as he was away travelling and has missed the first half of this season through a back injury picked up playing cricket for Sanderstead but he is hoping to return to action early in the new year.

Andrew Cross

Position: Prop (Tight or Loose)
Description: Andrew is a South African prop who joined the club in 2007. He is an ex pupil of Haling Manor School and is currently a student at Croydon College.

Andy Bell

Position: Centre or Wing
Description: After a couple of seasons watching his son Tom represent the juniors, Andy has finally given in and decided to dig out his own boots for this season to show his son and the other youngsters that he helps to train how it should be done!

Andy Kemp

Position: Utility Back
Description: Andy is an ex pupil of Trinity school who turns out for the club on the rare occasions that his job allows. ?He is hoping to get more games in this season than he has during the past couple of seasons.

Athos Kouppas

Position: Flanker
Description: Athos is another school boy who joined the club last season as a result of our link to St Joseph's College. He is also a keen footballer and a Crystal Palace Season ticket holder.

Brian Cook

Position: Wing or Fullback
Description: Brian Cook was discovered in 2007 propping up a bar, like a typical Scot, in Croydon when a number of players were out for Fabio's leaving drinks a few years ago. Having never played rugby before he decided that the people he met at the bar were decent chaps and that he could make some great friends by taking up the sport. After several seasons of rugby Brian has no regret about taking up the sport and joining such a great social club. Brian went to Stanley Tech and has also played football for John Fisher. His highlight of the 2009/10 season was scoring his first try for the club in the first game of the season. Brian is a management accountant for Day Lewis, pharmaceutical retail.

Brian Kelleher

Position: Winger or Hooker
Description: Brian is an ex Trinity school boy who has played a number of games for the club during his university breaks. Brian has recently graduated from Cambridge and is now moving back to South London and looking forward to playing for The Mids on a more permanent basis.

Chris "Chippy" Brown

Position: Centre or Sub
Description: Chippy is an ex 1st team captain of the club who returned to action last season for a game after of a number of seasons sat of the sofa. Chippy is now working on his fitness as he now has the taste of rugby back and would like to play at least a couple of games this season.

Chris Nicoll

Position: Utility Back
Description: Chris Nicoll seems to have retired from playing as many times as Bryn Hodges has got injured but he is always at the end of the line to help out when numbers are short. He has proably played in every postion both in the pack and in the backs over his time at the club.

Chris Price

Position: Scrum Half
Description: Chris is a former pupil of Trinity School who after a number of year without playing rugby has been tempted back to the game and the club by his former class mates, Tim Jupp and Iain Munro.

Clive Corrigan

Position: Wing or Fullback
Description: Clive was one of a number of St Joseph's School pupils who joined the club back in 2009. Clive was new to the game when he first turned up but has picked it up really well and he is looking forward to becoming more involved this season as he has now got a car and is able to make it back from Kingston University more often. Clive has also played a fair bit of football for Tooting Bec United where he won 5 runners up medals, 1 winners medals, improved player of the season and most hard working player of the season. Clive also works part time at a Toby Carvery.

Clive Rowland

Position: Utility Back
Description: Clive is a versatile player who has been up the club for a number of years. During which time he has had a spell as AXV vice captain. He is an ex pupil of Riddlesdown School and is also a strong tennis player. He likes low fat, low carb, low sugar sports drinks. He dislikes being told this.

Dan Bunner

Position: Flanker
Description: Dan has come off of the former players list and returned to playing this season after a number of years away from the club. He has been tempted back by the development of the Mitres and the prospect of social rugby.

Dujon Gray

Position: Wing
Description: Dujon is another school boy who we have picked up through our growing link with St Joseph's College. He is as keen as mustard!

Duncan Horn

Position: Wing
Description: Duncan is another former pupil of Trinity School. Duncan is a multi-talented sportsman as he also represent the water polo club.

Ed Baines

Position: Utility Back
Description: Ed is an ex pupil of Trinity School who is looking to return to rugby by playing in the Mitres as he has not played the contact version of the game since leaving school. He has however remained fit by playing in the touch leagues on Clapham Common during the summer.

Ed Heaver

Position: 2nd Row
Description: Ed is an Old Wimbledonians and has played for them for a number of years. He was introduced to the club last season by John Broughton and the club appreciate the handful of games he is able to play for us.

Guy Morgan

Position: Blindside Flanker
Description: Guy joined the club in 2009 playing for the under 17s. He is currently at Wilsons Grammar School. Despite being a new comer to the squad Guy made an immediate impact and finished the 2009/10 season being awarded with The Young Mid of The Season award, not surprisingly this is what Guy lists as his highlight of the season. Guy is yet to make his debut at senior level but will hopefully do so during the 2010/11 season. Guy is also a keen cricketer and plays tennis for Purley Bury Tennis Club. He also works part time as a shop assistant for Clarks Shoes.

Imran Malik

Position: Scrum Half or Fly Half
Description: Imran is a new arrival at the club this season after moving back to the country after spending a number of years living overseas.

James "Jimbo" Howgate

Position: Wing
Description: Jimbo is the club caterer who decided that he might as well have a run out for the club on a Saturday as he is up there with his wife preparing the after game food. He is hoping to actually learn the laws of the game this season! He is also a member of Grumwald football club who play at our ground on Sunday mornings.

James Bottomley

Position: Centre
Description: James Bottomley has played for the club since leaving Trinity school back in 1996 having previously played for Old Beccehamians. His preferred position is centre although he has played in every position in the backs at one stage or another. James was the 2008/09 Mitres player of the season although he has played as often for the AXV as he has for the Mitres. James is vice captain of the Mitres for 2009/10, a position that he held on previous occasions. His highlight of last season was watching our winger wander over to the sidelines down half a pint and then carry on playing in the last game of the season - 3rd team rugby at its finest. James is a graduate of Keele University and he works in performance management.

Joe Brunning

Position: Centre or Wing
Description: Joe is still a pupil of St Josephs School and played his first game for the club towards the end of last season. As well as playing rugby Joe is also an amateur boxer, however he has a phobia of people from both Brazil and New Zealand!

Joe Powell

Position: Winger
Description: Joe is another school boy who joined the club last season as a result of our strong link with St Joseph's College. Joe is a huge fan of the new floodlights up at the club.

John "Bruffy" Broughton

Position: Back
Description: Bruffy is a former Swansea University player who joined the club after the failure of his modelling career in the early 1930s. Despite him being one of the most senior players he is definitely the most childish. Having split his boots at the end of last season he is now seeking the donation of a new pair as he is refusing to break the habit of a lifetime and actually buy his own pair of boots. Bruffy is currently in training to compete 5 marathons in 5 continents in 5 days!!!

Julian Chenery

Position: Front Row
Description: Julian is the oldest member of our current playing squad having joined from Shirley Wanderers back in 1984. His vast experienced is valued by those that play alongside him. Julian is an ex pupil of John Ruskin. His highlight of the 2009/10 season was simply just playing! As well as being a member of the rugby club Julian is also a member of the resident drama society, The Mitre Players. Julian is a Theatre Producer, Film Producer, Director, Actor & Writer. He also enjoys playing football and cricket when possible.

Ken Kennison

Position: Centre
Description: Ken has joined the club this season having spent last season at Warlingham and is another golfing mate of Matt Hutchings. Ken used to play for Blackheath with ex Mids player Nic Jones. By day Ken must have one of the hardest jobs there is - being Steve Berry's boss!

Lee Macaskill

Position: Utility Forward
Description: Lee Macaskill is another servant of the club for well over 10 years. He is an ex AXV captain and ex social secretary. He is the current arm wrestling champion of the South of England and his favourite drink is apple juice.

Lee Stewart

Position: 2nd Row
Description: Lee was another one of our new recruits last season who was completely new to the game of rugby. Watching him play you would not guess this. Lee was introduced to the club by his golfing pals, Matt Hutchings and Richard Gooch.

Liam Upson

Position: Inside Centre
Description: Liam joined the club in 2008 playing for the under 16s. He made his debut for the seniors as soon as he turned 17 towards the end of the 2009/10 season. His highlight of the season was the stern defence of the try line in the under 17s game against Weybridge Vandals. Liam is currently at Riddlesdown Collegiate and is also a member of the Air Cadets, for whom he has represented at rugby. Liam's other sports include tennis for Shirley Park Lawn Tennis Clun and football for Purley Panthers, Netherne. He is also at home on the water with a number of qualifications to his name (Dinghy sailing; RYA 1,2,3,4. Kayaking: One star. Yacht Sailing: Competent crew). Liam also works part time as a supermarket assistant in Waitrose.

Mark Lister

Position: Flanker
Description: Mark is another senior member of the club who has represented the club for as long as most of the current squad have been alive having joined the club back in 1983. Mark is also a former pupil of Trinity School. Unfortunately Mark was injured for all of the 2009/10 season but he hoping to return to playing in 2010/11. His highlight of last season was the support that the club offered to his Brother in Law's fund raising. Mark is the Sales Director for Gumtree.com (eBay Classifieds).

Martin Rees

Position: Wing or Centre
Description: Martin is another who put his boots back on last season after well over a decade of not playing. He was also coach of last year’s under 16's and is looking forward to coaching the same team as they move up to under 17's this season.

Matt Hutchings

Position: Prop
Description: Matt returned to playing rugby at The Old Mids last season after an absence of two years. With him came his golfing mates that he had met during his time out so for a change it was actually time well spent! Matt is one of a number of players in the squad who have the experience of previously played in London League 1 for the club. Matt has expressed his desire to help drive the club back up the leagues and looks forward to getting back to that level. Matt must be one of the only props playing rugby with a degree in flower arranging!

Michael Clark

Position: Scrum Half
Description: Michael is still a pupil of Trinity School but he has already represented the Old Boys. The club are hoping he will be able to play on a more regular basis after Christmas when the school rugby term is over.

Michael Keehan

Position: Front Row or Back Row
Description: Michael is another school boy who we have picked up through our growing link with St Joseph's College and was a regular fixture in The Mitres/ Matrons after joining the club.

Mike Frith

Position: Tighthead Prop or 2nd Row
Description: Mike joined the club in 2003 when his son, Todd, began to play for The Young Mids. It did not take long before Mike was himself playing despite not having played since he was at Forest Hill School. Mike's highlight of the 2009/10 season was playing in a front row with a combined age of over 130 alongside Julian Chenery and Aaron Pennington which held their own against a mostly first team pack. During his time with the club Mike has played a huge role in developing The Young Mids and he has served not only as a coach but also as their vice chairman. Mike was rewarded for his efforts with the Presidents Tankard back in 2007/08. Mike and his family relocated to Wadebridge in Cornwall at the end of the 2008/09 season but has continued to remain involved with the running of The Young Mids. He has also continued to play games on the odd weekend that he is back in the Croydon area and has also recruited a couple of new players for us as he puts into the contracts of his tenants that they have to play rugby for The Old Mids. When in Cornwall Mike has been playing for The Camels and not surprisingly he has also got involved with the running of their junior sides as Todd is also playing for them. Mike is also a keen darts player and plays for The Good Companions team. He is a partner in water treatment company, Reef Water Solutions based in London & Cornwall.

Neil Algar

Position: Utility Back
Description: Neil was one of a handful of golfing mates Matt Hutchings and Richard Gooch encouraged to join the club last season. Despite never having played the game before Neil has become an integral member of the club and played a vital role in helping the club to resurrect the Mitres and the Matrons .

Neil Irving

Position: Centre or Wing
Description: Neil is another ex player that returned to the club last season on the back of us reforming The Mitres and The Matrons. Neil is an ex captain of the Mitre so is very happy to see them back in action and entering the leagues for the 1st time.

Neil MacHugh

Position: Wing
Description: Neil has joined the playing side of the club this season following the example of other dads of the Young Mids. Neil has been around the club for a number of years as his son Adam and daughter Paige have bothe played for the juniors

Nick Mills

Position: Flanker
Description: Nick Mills joined the club last year and is the latest in a line of teachers from St Josephs College to be involved with the Old Mids, following in the footsteps of Gerry Murphy, Jim Hammond and Peter Cook. The Mids have benefited from this relationship by introduce some of the school boys into their academy system. Nick played the majority of his games for the AXV last season but also helped out and captained The Matrons. Being a sport teacher Nick is keen on most sports including football, cricket, skiing and snorkelling.

Paul Petty

Position: Front Row
Description: Paul is a Mids veteran who after hanging up his boots over 10 years ago made a welcomed return to the club last season. His initial involvement was due to his son joining the Young Mids which got Paul involved in coaching them. After being asked week after week to put his boot back on for one last game he eventually gave in and did so. When asked how his first game back was his reply was "not good, I really enjoyed it and am therefore going to have to do it again next week". This response became a regular occurrence and Paul is now back as a regular player. If Mrs Petty is reading this we are only joking, Paul only comes up to watch!

Phil Best

Position: Winger (or wherever needed!!!)
Description: Phil is an ex pupil of Riddlesdown School who first came up the club in 2004 when his son, Luke started to play for the Young Mids. After five seasons watching Luke play, Phil decided to take the plunge and play rugby himself in 2009. Playing his first ever game of rugby when in his 40's is a great example that it is never too late to take up the game. Phil list the cry of "No Not Bacon" during one match as being a hilarious moment from the 2009/10 season but his real highlight is getting through the season without major injury, although he admits getting injured during one of the warm ups was fairly embarrassing! Phil is also an active member of The Young Mids committee, and as well as coaching is their fixture secretary and their vice chairman. Phil was awarded with the Presidents tankard for the work he did during the 2009/10 season. Phil is a Senior Production Manager for Southern Railway.

Richard Caplin

Position: Hooker
Description: Richard has been up the club for a number of season now as both his sons, Tom and Dan, are 2 of the longest serving members of the Young Mids. Richard was the successful team manager of last season’s U14's league champions. Richard decided to come out of retirement last season and joined a number of other dad's of the Young Mids in adding their experience to the Mitres and Matrons.

Richard Gooch

Position: 2nd Row
Description: Richard is another player who returned to the club last season after taking a number of years out due to injury and then family committments. Richard is a previous winner of the Young Player of the Season award. His favourite food is chocholate but only bars made by nestle.

Richard O'Callaghan

Position: Centre/Wing
Description: Richard O'Callaghan joined the club whilst still at Trinity and has respresent the club at colts, AXV and 1st XV level. His other hobbies include kickboxing

Rishi Gohill

Position: Hooker or Flanker
Description: Rishi studied at Trinity School until 2002, then graduated from University of Southampton in 2005 with BSc Mathematics degree and is now working in The City as a corporate bond research analyst for M&G Investments. As well as rugby he enjoys snooker and sausage rolls.

Ron Barath

Position: Flanker
Description: Ron Barath was another new player lured to the club last season by Matt Hutchings and Richard Gooch. He had not played rugby for a number of years but had kept himself fit and is now enjoying being back in the action and he has already established himself as a key senior member of the reformed Mitres.

Ryan Marlborough

Position: Back Row
Description: Ryan was introduced to the club a couple of seasons ago by Neil Irving and played a couple of games for the club. He was unable to commit to the club due to living in Hertfordshire but now that his girlfriend is living in Croydon he has returned to us as a regular player.

Simon Harrington

Position: Fullback
Description: Simon is another ex pupil of Trinity School who initially joined the club in 2006 in order to be reunited and play rugby with his old school friends. His favourite moment of the 2009/10 season is like a number of others the "Not Bacon" incident! In Joe O'Keefe's absence from the club dinner Simon took on the role of being the most drunk person although surprisingly it was not him that got everyone evicted from Tiger Tiger! Simon works as a civil servant.

Steve Lowin

Position: Centre
Description: Steve has come to us after previously playing for Merton. He was introduced to us by former player, John Taylor.

Stewart "Jumbles" Sales

Position: Wing
Description: Stewart joined the club from John Fisher a few seasons ago and has become a real club man. Despite making a stuttering start to his rugby with us he soon found his way into the 1st team. He also plays 1st team cricket for The Old Mids and Sunday football up at Lime Meadow Avenue.

Stuart Bridger

Position: Prop
Description: Stuart has been playing rugby at The Old Mids for almost as long as Russell Jones has been grey and does not look like stopping anytime soon! Last year saw the birth of his son Henry who Stuart is now nurturing to fill his boots when he eventually hangs them up.

Stuart Gould

Position: Flanker
Description: Student is another member that we have attracted to the club via our links to The Young Mids as he is the partner to the mum of U15s player Dan Wilkinson. Stuart's previous club is Winscombe over in somerset. During his playing days he has also had the honour of representing the army at several levels.

Stuart Higgins

Position: Fly Half, Centre or Fullback
Description: Stuart has been a great servant to the club over the years. During this time he has played for and captained the 1st team, been the club chairman and is now the Captain of the Mitres for their first season of league rugby! He is yet another old boy of both Trinity School and Exeter University. He likes being right and hair care products.

Thomas Caplin

Position: Scrum Half
Description: Tom is the longest serving member of The Young Mids having been involved with the club since 2001 well before the recent growth in the set up. He did have one season at Warlingham but he does not like to talk about that! Tom is currently at Riddlesdown in the sixth form. Tom was involved with The Mitres towards the end of 2010 and is looking forward to playing for the seniors this year along with the clubs under 18s side. Tom is a member of the air cadets and has represented the Surrey Air Cadets side.

Toby Kendall

Position: Centre
Description: Toby is another former pupil of Trinity School. He has returned to the club this season to be part of the reformed Mitres after having a couple of years out to spend more time with his family.

Tom Bird

Position: Fly Half
Description: Tom's first experience of the club was when he came with us to Jersey a few years back. Unfortunately he has not been able to feature yet due to spending his weekends with his young family and also working as a Prince impersonator but he is hoping to get some game time in this season.

Tom Hestor

Position: Fullback
Description: Tom is another old boy of the school but unfortunate has not been able to play for the club due to a long term injury. Hopefully he will be over this soon and able to start playing again

Tom Lyon

Position: 2nd Row
Description: Tom has followed in his brothers footsteps by joining the club this season after finishing university.

Tony Lyon

Position: Back Row or 2nd Row
Description: Tony is another ex Trinity pupil who joined the club last year in order to play rugby again with his old school mates.

Will Cudmore

Position: Wing
Description: Will Cudmore was a new addition to the club last season. He is the boyfriend of Stuart Bridger's niece and he was only allowed to go out with her if he joined the rugby club. Will had not played much rugby before joining the club but he is improving week by week and will hopefully become a regular for years to come.