What do you remember of being a student at Hymers?

Whilst I was a student at Hymers I got involved in all aspects that the school had to offer, especially the sport. I played 1st Team rugby and cricket from Year 11 onwards, with the school guiding me to play rugby for both Yorkshire and the North of England at U18. I have fond memories of all the staff, with the likes of Mr Fitzpatrick and the PE teachers in particular, helping to mould me into the character I am today. My last year saw my highlight of my school life, with the infamous ’96 tour to Australia!

What did you do after leaving school?

Post Hymers, my life has been filled with Rugby in a variety of ways. I started playing rugby semi-professionally, initially for my childhood club Hull Ionians, amassing over 200 appearances and captaining the 1st XV for three seasons during my two stints there – even scoring a try in the Junior National Cup at Twickenham! Following that was a brief spell at Morley, where I had the pleasure of playing against Saracens in the Tetley Bitter Cup.

A knee injury threw me into the world of coaching, since which I’ve coached at two fabulous local rugby clubs; Driffield and Goole. This season I’ve become Director of Rugby at Goole, and whilst there have experienced two promotions and won the National Vase Cup at Twickenham. 

In the midst of all this, I worked for the England Rugby Union (RFU) for 20 years. This involved working on behalf of the local rugby clubs in East Yorkshire, helping them to recruit and retain players to grow their club, as well as in numerous many schools and colleges across the area, promoting the game of rugby. As part of my RFU work I’ve also helped support the local growth of women and girls’ rugby, and played a part in establishing Hull’s first inclusive Rugby Union team, Hull Roundheads. 

What are your memories of former teachers who are now your colleagues?

In my old teachers and coaches, such as Mr Walmsley, who is still here, and Mr Exley, who retired in the summer 2023, I have recognised characteristics that I would hope to similarly embody in my role.

Mr Walmsley is the same nice teacher but now a colleague and we still have a good time on the school trips, but now I am in a more responsible role.

All my memories are of a good time at the school, and I enjoyed all the lessons, as well as the sport at the school.  I would like to think that I got on well with all of the teachers, too many to name, and I was pleased to be a student at Hymers.

Greg in Class 1D (7D) in 1990

How does it feel to be back at the school?

I am very much enjoying working at the school, with the staff and students, and especially to see the pupils’ development in sport.  I benefit from working in both the junior school and senior school, seeing all the students in their games lessons.

There are more opportunities in sport now, then when I was at school, for both boys and girls.  When I started senior school, although it was the first year of co-ed, it wasn't a huge change for me, as I was in an all-boys class, just like in the Junior School.

What was it like being a student at Hymers College, as it became a co-educational school?

Until we took options, I didn't have any classes with the girls, but it was daunting at first as I wasn't used to being in an environment with them.  It also felt like more female teachers were now employed at the school. 

Over the seven years of being in the senior school, it did eventually become the norm to have the girls there and we, the boys, became good friends with the girls, and have continued to have strong friendships ever since.

Sports Biography:

• Hymers - Yorkshire & North U18
• Hull Ionians - 220 1st team appearances & captain for 3 seasons. RFU intermediate cup Final at Twickenham lost in the final but I scored a try!
• Morley - 2 seasons playing National League 1, highlight playing against Saracens in National Cup.
• Driffield - 3 seasons as Head Coach
• Goole - Head Coach, now Director of Rugby