Born and lived in Swarkestone at the Lucas Farm. Attended Melbourne Junior and Chellaston Schools, followed by Broomfield College to study Agriculture. One year working on the family farm was followed by five years as a mechanic at Arterial Motors on Victory Road.

1993 saw Ian and Tor visiting Australia for 7-8 months.

Back home Robin Clayborn (Tor’s brother) offered Ian an afternoon’s work at Crocker Brothers. At that time Ian was a Special Constable with Derbyshire Police awaiting the next recruitment intake to join the regulars. Robin suggested filling his time whilst waiting by working at Crockers. He’s still there.

Ian’s rugby began with his father taking him to Derby where his brothers were already playing. He remained playing for Derby and at school at Chellaston until he finished Colts rugby. He played for Derbyshire and and 3 Counties with Robin, David (Clayborn) and Dean Sylvester. Schoolmates Jake, Crane (Smith), and Big Watty were all playing for Melbourne and so, in 1988 after Colts, Ian joined Melbourne. This move didn’t please Ian’s father too much as he was the President of Derby Rugby Club at that time.

Roles in Melbourne Rugby Club:-
1st Team Captain – included Coaching, Fitness, and Selection
Club Captain
Player’s Representative on Committee
Chairman
Chairman of Directors
Social Secretary
Honorary Life Member
Coach of U6s (when son Joe started playing) through to U18s
MRFC Rep for the MSP (2005 till the opening of the Clubhouse in 2016)

1. First position you played in rugby: Scrum Half

2. Worst injury: Dislocated ankle

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Paul Macer

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

5. What should your nickname be: The Diplomat

6. What bad habit do you have: Don’t Speak My Mind Enough

7. Your sporting hero: Richie McCaw

8. Your non-sporting hero: Nelson Mandela

9. Favourite food/meal: Roast Beef Dinner

10. Favourite TV programme/film: Breaking Bad/Star Wars

11. Favourite book: Kane & Abel

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: How to Stay Alive by Bear Grylls

14. Dream job: Boat Trips around the Maldives

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: I have a license to drive Buses

16. A phrase that reflects your life: If You Want Something Doing, Ask A Busy Person

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

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Stuart Hamilton

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC : Continued Success On and off the Pitch Across all Areas

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

Robin Clayborn
Paul Kellow
George Collin
Will Judge
Paul Ewins
Keir Biggins
Paul Macer
Pete Lewsey
Jake Oxspring
Kevin Brown
Tom Howard
Ian Watts
Charlie Livesey
Ash Stringer
Dean Sylvester