There were many who wished to pay their respects to Jack and his family. The following was written with the aim of capturing all that Jack was loved for at Novocastrians as well as highlight the impact he had on his friends and the people around him.

There are many photos of Jack's journey through Novos that the club wish to share with the community, it is not possible to release them within this body of text, however a full album will shortly be published that will be accessible to all.

Memories of Jack Bolam from Minis to Senior Rugby - Robin Merlane

There aren’t many players that start with tag rugby, stay on through the mini, youth and colts years and continue with senior rugby, but Jack was one of them. A true Novo. Consistently there, confidently doing his best and enjoying his rugby, year in, year out with his team mates. The team around him may have changed. Jack did not. He was one of the original Novos Bullets starting with the U8s in 2012. Tag rugby wasn’t his thing, but he stuck at it, always did his best and was rewarded with a tag or 2 along the way. He played the North Tyne, Falcon’s, County, Alnwick and Durham Festivals. We saw his resilience developing at this young age as well as his confidence, friendship with his team mates and gentle humour.

As we moved into contact, Jack was more in his element, but often worried he would hurt someone. He had a kind hearted approach to all he did. He came on his first tour in 2014 – a trip to York that involved a lot of fun off the pitch as we all turned up as Vikings. On the pitch was a different story as we battled against Yorkshire’s best. Sometimes the results don’t matter.

He continued to regularly play each season through U10s, U11s and U12s, enjoying the Falcon’s, Tynedale and County festivals. He enjoyed the camaraderie with his team mates – there is nothing better than a day out with rugby. The school work can wait.

Minis became Youth rugby, the boys began to grow up and Jack rose to the challenge. As the scrum was getting bigger and pushing was allowed we had a position for Jack to make his own. As he packed down in the front row he could work on technique and became a cornerstone of the scrum – we rarely went backwards when Jack was there. He was consistent, committed and keen to play his part as best he could, earning the respect of his teammates. His handling was another strength – a forward who could spin pass ? That was Jack. He didn’t drop much and could sneak a pass to a support runner before the opposition could spot it.

Jack enjoyed the social side of the team, enjoying our pre-season training camps (why tour at the end of the season when you can have a weekend away at the beginning ?). His dad often driving the bus and helping out. He excelled at Capture the Flag and Last Man Standing. He toured to Wooler and Askrigg, before Covid struck. Our final game before Lock Down was away at Guisborough. A hard fought win during which Jack was sent off – an unbelievable (but justified) decision by the referee after an indiscretion in a lineout. But no ban to serve as there were no games to play. As we returned back to normality, we were into the Colts – first as junior and then senior colts.

Our Junior Colt season was a real step up in competition. We entered the A-league (the days of festivals and medals for all were over !). And Jack with his team mates met the challenge. A respectful fourth in the top league and a narrow 1 point loss to Alnwick in the Plate semi-final laid the foundations for our Senior Colts final season.

Our Senior Colts season was one that anyone involved will never forget. We were fighting on 3 fronts – the North East and Cumbria Colts League, the National Cup and the County Cup. Jack was in the teams that beat Durham, Blaydon and Penrith as we progressed to the last 8 in the National Cup. I think this was a first for Novos. Jack worked his place in the scrum where we needed him, locking his knees and pushing straight. We could rely on him.

The County Cup was more challenging with a first round victory against Tynedale before getting beaten on a dark Wednesday night by a strong Morpeth team in the semi-finals.

That left the North East and Cumbria Colts League. We had a strong squad and Novos were on a winning run. Jack was a regular front row player travelling to Penrith, Durham, Blaydon, Wigton as well as the games at Sutherland Park. He was dependable, reliable and keen to do his best. With only one loss away to Stockton we ended up first and into the playoffs. A narrow win at home verses Darlington left us in the final against Penrith at Rockcliff. Although Jack didn’t play that game he supported his team mates along with the rest of the squad. And celebrated the victory in the changing rooms afterwards.

Jack was part of our team and enjoyed it. He was respected, confidently doing his best and improving year on year. Players like Jack are the cornerstone of Novos. They represent what we believe in. As I said at the start – there aren’t many players that start with tag rugby, stay on through minis, youth and colts and continue with senior rugby, but Jack was one of them. The Original Bullets. His history at Novos will not be forgotten. He is a true Novo.
Sent

Jack In Senior Rugby - Magnus Leask

I have seen Jack come through our club since I arrived at Novos in 2012.
One of the few who have gone all the way from minis to senior rugby.
It was a pleasure helping Jack integrate into senior rugby. None more so than on the recent club tour.
Jack immediately endeared himself to the entire group baking up a tray of cupcakes.
I quickly learned that there was so much more to this quiet caring lad. Jack was incredibly helpful, would go out of his way to put a smile on your face. He was incredibly funny and quick witted. Any bit of banter would be immediately met with a hilarious comeback. He was also everyone’s first pick in a Boat Race.
His passing really affected me last week. I have two sons of similar age to Jack. Made me realise that I must make time for them, always.
I am heartbroken for the Bolam family and for Jacks wider rugby family at Novos. However, the strength of a rugby club is its members. I know our rugby family will put an arm round each other as we honour Jacks memory and come to grips with losing someone so young.