Born in Solihull where he lived until he was ten years old, when the family moved to the farm in Swarkestone where Roger still lives. He went to school at Stanley College on Duffield Road, (now a residential care home), leaving at 15 to work on the family farm and studied agriculture at Broomfield College for a year.

Rugby didn’t feature in the young Roger’s life. He was introduced at a Young Farmers calf competition to Dave Else who played for Derby Rugby Club and suggested Roger might like to give it a go. Starting in the normal way of those who have no idea, i.e. on the wing, Roger developed a mean over the head lob when anyone came near him. Brothers Bob and Richard followed him to Derby.

Roger was still playing on the wing in Derby Colts team but progressed to blind side flanker, followed by 2nd row and finally prop, appearing over 700 times for Derby. Roger coached at Derby and one season his team lost only 3 games which is a Club record which still stands.
Derby played Nottingham in the John Player Cup in 1980 and recognising his potential Roger went on loan to Nottingham and was then asked to join Nottingham. He stayed for three seasons, 1980, 81, 82 playing in the same team as Brian Moore, Simon Hodgkinson and Gareth Rees. Roger played Derbyshire Colts, Derbyshire U21s, and 3 Counties. He was one game away from playing at Twickenham when they lost to Gloucestershire in the semi-final.
Returning to Derby in 1983 he became 1st Team Coach for 3-4 years.

Whilst still playing for Derby Roger was asked to become President of Melbourne Rugby Club, and came to play for Melbourne in 1989.
Roger has held the following positions within MRFC:-
President 1988-1993
Club Coach
Chairman 5 times on and off including the crucial period when we bought the land on the corner of Robinson’s Hill.

1. First position you played in rugby: Wing
2. Worst injury: Knee Ligaments

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Brian Moore

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Pete Curtis/Bengo

5. What should your nickname be : Lukey

6. What bad habit do you have : Chocolate

7. Your sporting hero : Fran Cotton

8. Your non-sporting hero: Uncle Dennis
9. Favourite food/meal : Chicken

10. Favourite TV programme/film : Body Guard

11. Favourite book: Any Farming Book

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with : My Dad

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: Swiss Army Knife

14. Dream job: Farmer

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows : Used to have hair

16. A phrase that reflects your life: Always try your hardest

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: Rowing

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Jo Mallard

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC : Maintain the Standard we have set ourselves, on and off the field

20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present:

Robin Clayborn
Paul Kellow
George Collin
Will Judge
Keith Bonner
Paul Macer
John Ewins/Pete Lewsey
Ian Lucas
Jake Oxspring
Kev Browne
Dave Middleton
Ian Watts
Stuart Hamilton
Ashley Stringer
Joe Livesey