Born and brought up in Barrow on Trent where he attended Barrow Junior School, followed by Chellaston. Rugby started at Melbourne in the M&Js at 5 years old in the same age group as Seb Boyse. The young Olly didn’t take to rugby on that first introduction and didn’t go back on the second week. Luckily for Melbourne Rugby Club he made a return on the third week and has been ever present since then.

Olly remembers a Melbourne M&J Tour to Aire-sur-la-Lys in France in 2001 when he was 7 or 8 years old. The 7-8 year olds put out two teams both reaching the Final of the Tournament where they were forced to play each other. Honours even after extra time they went on to ‘Golden Try’ for the trophy. Jack Fisher ran straight over Olly to score and win.

After school Olly took a BTEC in PE at Derby College before his degree in PE & Sports Studies at Worcester University. Captain of his University side, he then played for Broadstreet Rugby Club near Coventry but didn’t get a lot of playing time.

Bar work and a stint at Crockers was followed by a period of travel to Europe and South America.

Now teaching 11-16 year olds at a secondary school in Derby as a PE Teacher Olly finds his sporting skills encompassing football and archery as well as rugby.

The latest accomplishment in Olly’s life is being the proud father of 14 month old Hattie. We also appreciate his tireless endeavours on the Social Committee of Melbourne Rugby Club. Thanks Olly for a great weekend of the 40th Anniversary and the Gin and Beer Festival.

1. First position you played in rugby: Unsure – Always played scrum-half
2. Worst injury: Broken nail

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Jake Albon

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Jakey Walker & Jack Fisher

5. What should your nickname be: That’s not my decision

6. What bad habit do you have: Carling Tops

7. Your sporting hero: Brian O’Driscoll

8. Your non-sporting hero: The Badger (Dad)

9. Favourite food/meal: Tapas

10. Favourite TV programme/film: Breaking Bad

11. Favourite book: I’ve only ever read one

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: Mike Skinner of The Streets

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: A book – How to Escape from a Desert Island

14. Dream job: Food Critic

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: That’s a Secret……..

16. A phrase that reflects your life: Deny, Deny, Deny

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

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Devon Iliffe

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: 3 Strong senior men’s sides and a quality M&J, and thriving Women’s Section

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

Dan Walker
Matt Smith
Pop Lakin
Pete Welsh
Jake Watts
Keir Biggins
Devon Iliffe
Ian Lucas
Brett Johnson (C)
Euan Holden
Tommy Howard
Jon Turner
Jack Fisher
Ashley Stringer
Theo Devies