An Old Colfeian, who started playing rugby at the age of fifty, has recieved an Award from the Rugby Union Writers' Club, at their annual dinner, in appreciation of his efforts.
John Goldman, who is still playing rugby in his seventies, attended Colfe’s from 1952 to 1959 but was never able to fully take part in sport at the time because he suffered from asthma.
However at the age of 50 he joined a local rugby club in North London where he played lock forward for the 3rd team before finding his true vocation in the front row as a prop. He has now averaged over 20 games a season for the last 20 years and moved into his club's regular second XV with occasional outings for the firsts. This is despite overcoming cancer, a heart by-pass and major back surgery during that period.
John hopes his story will be an inspiration to the current pupils at Colfe’s. “It has been wonderful to have such recognition for my sport since I really was unable to take part at school. It seems I am one of, if not the oldest, person still playing regular club rugby in the leagues, albeit in the lower echelons of the Merit or Herts/Middlesex tables.
“Maybe this will give some hope to those who find themselves 'sportingly challenged', or indeed find that they are struggling to do something they really like. I hope I’ve proved that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and to never give up.”