In the latest instalment of the Where Are They Now series, OPs spoke to John Ross Mack, also known as JR. JR played a number of different positions for the both the 1st and 2nd XV.

(Adapted from Instagram)

What years were you an active OPs player?

From inception to 2013 ( I think that’s correct).

What/ who got you down to the club?

Edd Conway. I was at uni and there was a lot of buzz and excitement about a new old boys club starting up. So that was great as it was a chance to come back from uni and catch up with mates.

Favourite on field memory?

I’ll give a few: The one time when Anthony Madden was in the clear for a try with no one around him and was taken by a sniper. Or the time we were lined up to receive a kick off and Benedict Horan was the only person in the vicinity to receive the ball, he let out a massive “My Ball!!” But some how missed the catch and the ball hit him on the back of the head.

Favourite off field memory?

The OPs Christmas party where we held court at the Drayton, great session and so many happy memories.

What did you love/ do you miss about the OPs?

I loved being able to catch up with new familiar faces but also the link across so many different years - at some points on the field there would by guys that are 50 and some that were 18 on the same team, which was great for war stories.

What are you doing now?

I’m currently living between Cape Town and Bulawayo- I run a meat operation that includes farm, abattoir and butchery.

I’m hoping to be able to spend a few months in the UK next year. So definitely pints, and we will see if the time I’m over coincides with some games.