It is with much sadness to report that Novos legend, John Elders sadly passed away on Sunday. For those who've not heard of John, you wouldn't believe such an exalted member of the rugby community played such an important role in Novos history.

Born in Middlesbrough, John emerged as a talented centre and joined Leicester from Loughborough Colleges, making his club debut in a victory over Bedford in September 1953.

A teacher at South Wigston and Alderman Newton's schools, he went on to make a total of 144 appearances, scoring 38 tries for Tigers, was club captain 1955-57 and played in an England trial in 1956.

John won county honours with Leicestershire and Northumberland, and played for the Midlands against New Zealand in 1953/54 and for North-East Counties against Australia four years later, he also played for the Barbarians in 1958.

He left Leicester in December 1957 to teach at Newcastle's Royal Grammar School (57-82) and played his club rugby at Northern before moving to Old Novos a year later as his chances of an England cap wavered.

John became England coach for two years from 1972, enjoying away wins over South Africa and New Zealand (the first England side to do so), before becoming a selector and coach of England Schools.

Whilst at the Royal Grammar School he was always an advocate for the club, helping bring many players to Novos in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. John captained Novocastrians from 1959-61. In 1976, with the club at a low ebb - John with Steve Lawson, Jim Lewin and Colin Peacock helped to revitalise the club under John's stewardship. John helped turn the club around and laid the foundations to the club's success in the 1980's and early 90's.

At the Royal Grammar School he served under Headmasters Mitchell, Haden, Cox and Miller, he was appointed ‘to give sport a voice in this academic school’. He taught Maths, organised Prize-giving, panoramic photographs, Founder’s Day and Carol Services, served as Housemaster of Collingwood, Tutor and arranged school camps. As Director of Sport, John wanted every boy to find a sport he could enjoy and continue beyond school. He also took 1st Year Cricket; seeing John taking 1st Year Cricket into the nets, Donald Meakin told him ‘they were reserved for the 1st XI’. The retort was immediate and characteristic: ‘If the first years don’t get into the nets, there’ll be no 1st XI in six years’ time’.

In 1982, he emigrated to Australia but returned to live in the North-East in 1992, where he again taught at the RGS on a part time basis until 1996.

John will be sadly missed.

Funeral will be at 15th May 9:45 at the West Road Crematorium.