As Sandal RUFC heads into its centenary season, we're kicking off Behind the Badge, a series shining a light on the people who make this club what it is. First up: our Director of Men's Rugby, on how a school friend led him to rugby by accident, the seasons that shaped him, and what it means to lead the men's programme through Sandal's 100th year.

Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Sandal.
I've been involved with Sandal for many years as a player, coach and now Director of Men's Rugby. My role is to oversee the senior men's programme, but it goes much further than selecting teams. I'm passionate about creating a joined-up pathway from our junior section, through the academy, and into senior rugby, working closely with our Director of Academy Rugby and Junior Boys Chair to ensure every player has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. For me, success isn't just about producing elite players. If someone progresses into professional rugby, that's fantastic. If they become a regular in one of our senior teams, that's equally important. And if their rugby journey ends with them becoming a lifelong social member who still feels part of the club, that's just as valuable. Every player has a family, a home life and a future beyond rugby, and I believe it's our responsibility to help develop good people both on and off the field. If we can do that, then we've done our job.

What first got you into rugby, and who or what inspired that journey?
My rugby journey started through a school friend, James Standaloft, who persuaded me to give Rugby League a go at Stanley Rangers. After a few years there and time in the Halifax academy, conversations with Tom Smith and his dad Steve convinced us both to try Rugby Union at Sandal. Looking back, that decision completely changed my life. The friendships, experiences and opportunities rugby has given me are something I'll always be grateful for.

Looking back, what's one rugby moment that has stayed with you throughout your career?
Winning Yorkshire Cups and being part of promotion-winning teams will always be special, but the moments that stay with me most are the difficult ones. Early in my Sandal career we suffered back-to-back relegations during a tough financial period for the club. Seeing how people stuck together through those times makes the successes that followed mean so much more.

As Director of Men's Rugby, what are the values you're trying to build into this squad?
I want us to be a team that works relentlessly for each other. Talent is important, but attitude, honesty, accountability and togetherness are what create long term success. I also want players to enjoy coming to Sandal, improve every week and leave the club better people than when they arrived.

If a new player walked through the gates for the very first time, what would you hope they experience?
I'd want them to feel welcomed straight away. Regardless of ability or background, they should feel that they've joined a club where they'll be supported, challenged and valued. Hopefully they leave that first session already looking forward to the next one.

This is Sandal RUFC's centenary season. What does being part of this milestone mean to you?
It's a real privilege. Very few people get the opportunity to help lead a club during such an important chapter in its history. We have a responsibility to honour everything that's come before us while building foundations that leave the club stronger for the next hundred years.

What excites you most about the future of men's rugby at Sandal?
The opportunity to build something sustainable. We're investing in our coaching, creating a genuine academy pathway, strengthening the connection between junior and senior rugby and giving players an environment where they can develop for years to come. That's what excites me most.

Finally, what does representing the Sandal badge mean to you?
It means responsibility. The badge represents everyone who's worn it before us and everyone who'll wear it after us. Every time you pull on the shirt, you're representing your teammates, your coaches, the volunteers and the supporters who make this club what it is. It's something that should never be taken for granted.