Born and bred Stenson Fields in Derby, Jamie moved to Melbourne at 2-3 years old, attending Melbourne Infants, then having moved to Chellaston at 6 years old, Chellaston Juniors, and finally Chellaston Senior School.

Rugby started in the M&Js at Melbourne in 1994/95 with Keir, Adam Bonner, Will Judge, Chris Fulton and Euan. Their coaches were Dave Bonner and Andy Fulton. Jamie played for Melbourne Colts until 16 years old, and his Senior debut was for Ducky’s 3rd Team at 16 and a half. His Mum had to sign a disclaimer to say he could play. Jamie’s 1st Team debut came at 17 playing scrum half (he thinks Jake must have been on holiday). He carried on playing to the age of 21 when work and kids forced a ten-year break.

After finishing school Jamie went to Derby College and did a plumbing apprenticeship at Homeserve, setting up on his own as a plumber till 2014. He then started work for National Grid and is still working there.

At 31 Jamie started playing again, this time for Dave Lowson’s ‘Stags’, still going, he has reason to continue for a while yet.

Jamie remembers his early playing days involving some rather strange pub crawls after away matches, and even stranger 3rd Team Initiation drinks created by Ducky and John James. These usually led to Jamie not making it home and crashing on Dodgy Dave‘s floor.

On one occasion, being ragged around by an opposition No. 8, young Jamie did the only thing a cheeky scrum-half would think of and blew a kiss to the No. 8; luckily Nige Breakwell and Ducky got to the No. 8 before his fist landed square on Jamie’s jaw.

Playing on his 21st birthday a dislocated shoulder necessitated a hospital visit to manipulate the joint back into place, but this didn’t stop the birthday boy carrying on celebrating for the rest of the evening.

Jamie is now involved in coaching with the Juniors while he waits for son Jake to be able to play Senior rugby with him.

1. First position you played in rugby: Wing
2. Worst injury: Dislocated shoulders (Not both at the same time)

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

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

5. What should your nickname be: Gobby (It used to be. Sure it was in a nice way)

6. What bad habit do you have: Wind-up merchant

7. Your sporting hero: Giacomo Agostini

8. Your non-sporting hero: Billy Connolly

9. Favourite food/meal: Tapas

10. Favourite TV programme/film: Sons of Anarchy

11. Favourite book: John McGuinness

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: Valentino Rossi

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: Music – Foo Fighters

14. Dream job: Anything at the Isle of Man TT

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: I am (or was) the youngest person to play for Derbyshire Gentlemen (16yrs 7months)

16. A phrase that reflects your life: It will be what it will be

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

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

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: Joy and Happiness

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

Roger Lucas
Pop
Ducky
Pete Welsh
Nigel Breakwell
Ben Birchall
Will Lucas
Ian Lucas
Jake Oxspring
Euan Holden
Jake Burton
Andy Fulton
Rob Foster
Nick Parkinson
Deano