Dave was born in Allenton and moved to Shelton Lock aged 11. When he was first married to Fiona they lived in Newbold and came to Melbourne just after their son Adam was born. Fiona and Dave occasionally imbibed at the Melbourne Arms because they had swings and a slide for the kids. Here Dave met BB who did barbeques for the pub. The rest as they say is history.

Having always played a lot of sport and wanting to stay fit Dave went to rugby training with no inkling of what to expect, or what might be expected of him. He must have been quite good because he was very quickly asked to play for Dave Clayborn’s first team in the first season of League Rugby.

The instigator of Melbourne Mini and Junior Section, Dave‘s farsightedness has resulted in the strength and depth of Melbourne Rugby Club today.
The current (2nd) Melbourne Rugby Club badge was designed by Dave and voted in in 1990/91 when it was decided that the Club was ready to be taken seriously. Dave’s design incorporates 1) The original badge of the ‘Crossed Crutches’, 2) The Melbourne Coat of Arms, 3) The Derbyshire Ram, 4) The Red Rose England Rugby emblem.

Dave has held the following positions within the Club:- Co-opted Committee Member, Club Captain, Chairman, and President of the Mini and Junior Section.

1. First position you played in rugby Second Row

2. Worst injury 15 stitches in head, a stray Uttoxeter boot

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere Roger or Ian Lucas

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics Bengo

5. What should your nickname be ? Who knows

6. What bad habit do you have None

7. Your sporting hero Ian Botham

8. Your non-sporting hero Steve McQueen

9. Favourite food/meal Fish, scallops

10. Favourite TV programme/film Six Nations matches, Papillon

11. Favourite book Five Go Camping

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with Muhammad Ali

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be Music, 70s as it is such an eclectic mix

14. Dream job Millionaire

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows I’m anorexic (I look in the mirror and see a fat bastard)

16. A phrase that reflects your life Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried Hockey

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article Robin Clayborn

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC To prosper, not get too big, and still be a friendly Club

20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present

Roger Lucas
Robin Smith
Paul Kellow
Dave Bonner
Keith Bonner
Pete Lewsey
Robin Clayborn
Ian Lucas
Lee Smith
Stuart Hamilton
Dave Middleton
Dean Sylvester
Ian Watts
Hamish Walker
Graeme Hardy