Male Players

STEVE STAMPER

SPONSOR: Crown Cabling Systems Ltd

Educated (we think) at Austin Friars School before graduating from Bradford University. Engaged and getting married in 2009. Now works in property development in the family empire in Carlisle! A powerful prop, he has experience with various clubs in Yorkshire and has also played for Cumbria in the County Championship.

BEN BLAIN

SPONSOR: Intek Design Ltd, Carlisle. 01228 513054

A product of the youth system at the Club, Ben was educated at Trinity School to ‘A’ level standard and is hoping for a career in the Royal Air Force. In the meantime he pilots his team mates as an attacking scrum half! As far as we are aware he is not ‘wed’.

TOM GRAHAM

SPONSOR: The Drove inn, Roweltown. E.mail: gkdroveinnpub@aol.com

Another product of the youth system at the Club, he has sprung onto the 1st XV scene as the regular hooker and shows signs of being every bit as good as older brother Joe, now starring as hooker at Tynedale. Tom went to William Howard School at Brampton and is now studying at a local university (not The Drove Inn). He is an avid trainer and has a wicked sense of humour that he has inherited from his mum, Kelly!

MATT CHARTERS

SPONSOR: Autogas Cumbria (LPG Conversions)

Matt is one of a pair of rugby playing twins and hails from Wigton (we don’t hold that against him)! He went to Nelson Thomlinson School in the town and is now (studying) at a university in Lancaster. Asiduous in his fitness, training and preparation, Matt is a cultured back row player and well respected by his peers. Is in a steady relationship. Has a bright future in the game and has experience up to County Championship level for Cumbria.

MARK BARRON

SPONSOR: Encompas Ltd

Another local lad from the Club production line, Mark is pleased to be back in contention after missing 18 months because of cruciate ligament damage. Not yet back to his best but the signs are there for this strong utility forward who prefers the back row but will do a good job anywhere in the pack. A powerful player who can cause mayhem for opposing defences.

MARTIN GREALISH

SPONSOR: Dempsey’s Wine Bar

Educated at Newman School in the city before going on to university in Leeds. During his spell in Yorkshire he regularly travelled back to Carlisle to play his rugby. A lock forward, he is now employed by Cumbria RFU as a Community Rugby Coach for the Copeland District of Cumbria.

MIKE BIRNIE

SPONSOR: The Sportsphysio.com

Mike came to the city from Edinburgh where he was educated at local schools before going on to take degrees at Edinburgh and Aberdeen Universities. He now works in the city as a land agent, although promotion will shortly take him away to Lincoln. Has been skipper of the Crusaders for a couple of seasons as a front row forward.

BOBBY SHERLOCK

SPONSOR: H & H King Estate Agents

Bobby works as a financial and mortgage advisor in the family firm in Carlisle. After schooling in Carlisle he went to Newcastle University and when there, regularly came back to Carlisle to play his sport. Prefers wing forward and is a line out specialist. Has recently returned from South America after undertaking a gruelling sponsored cycle ride for charity with girlfriend, Emma.

GLEN WEIGHTMAN

SPONSOR: A & MT McWalter Ltd (Haulage Contractor). 01768 772675

Glen, a fly half or centre threequarter, is now in his second season with the city club, having played his early rugby at school in, and with the Keswick club. He is a popular member of the squad and still has a lot of potential to come.

GEORGE GRAHAM

SPONSOR: Dempsey’s Wine Bar

Not quite a chip off the “old block” – well at least as far as size is concerned. Son of that wily old Scottish international, George Snr, the younger version was educated at school in the city. A useful half back, he has come up through the junior and youth system at Warwick Road. Recently, he was selected for the Scottish Exiles Under 18 squad. Has a bright future.

MARTIN PLUMMER

SPONSOR: Sandy Butler

An old boy of Austin Friars where he learnt his rugby in conjunction with Carlisle RFC. A detective with Cumbria Constabulary, he is married to Emma and they live on the outskirts of the city. ‘Plums’ was the senior skipper for seven years and is now in his second year as Chairman of Rugby at the Club. Still plays in the centre for the Crusaders (and the 1st XV if they are really stuck) where his experience will be invaluable to the youngsters.

PADDY McDONNELL

SPONSOR: Stan Sherlock Associates, Carlisle. 01228 598821

Another from the law brigade, stationed in Carlisle where he is a constable with the Cumbria Constabulary. Paddy has been with the Club through his formative years (still developing!) and is a three quarter (wing preferred). In recent years has sufferred with hamstring problems and hopefully he has overcome those and will inject a few bursts of speed down the wing. Lives in the city with his long term partner.

STEPHANE HELIES

SPONSOR: Cumbria Bar Hire

As his name infers, a Frenchman who brought his Gallic charms to Carlisle via Driffield and Penrith. A wily full back which is his preferred berth, but can play elsewhere in the back division. He lives near Appleby with his partner and family. Teaches at a private school in the Appleby area.

JAMES CLARK

SPONSOR: AMW Contractors Ltd

For those who don’t recognise him, he’s had his hair cut and changed his dress sense since the pic was taken! Learned his rugby prowess at Austin Friars and with Carlisle Colts and is a speedy winger who, when he gets the ball, is likely to score tries. Can also be at home in the centre. After school he went off to university and after a year, decided that was not the life for him. Lives in the city with his family (dad does a bit of patching up in A & E).

BARRY EARL

SPONSOR: Root Technology

Barry, who hails from the Workington area, is now domiciled in Carlisle, and is in his second season at Warwick Road after completing his education at Edinburgh University. Is a strong running centre who still has more to offer. Currently working at the Oasis Centre south of Penrith.

SCOTT RATTRAY

SPONSOR: Hayton Hardwoods

“Ratters” as he is (affectionately) known, played his early rugby in the Durham area before coming to Carlisle to set up business (his wife hails from Maryport). A second row forward who still features in the senior XV (in an emergency) is devoting more of his time to help with coaching the forwards. Scott and his wife and two young sons now live in Hayton. Not naturally photogenic, we did our best in editing his photograph!

JACK TRANTER

SPONSOR: Border Wine Merchants

Jack is a local lad, with dad a well known local publican until recently. Like many of his peers, Jack has developed through the Club ranks. A speedy winger, he is perhaps a little unlucky to have had limited senior opportunities to date.

DAN & JOSH HOLMES

SPONSOR: Holmes & Simpson of York

Aged 18, these two siblings, who are hard to tell apart ,have had notable careers in the Club youth system, particularly for the Colts. Originally from York, they were both educated at St Aidan’s School in Carlisle.

OLLIE BARKER

SPONSOR:

Ollie is a Carlisle lad with 3 ‘A’ levels from Trinity School and is now doing a degree in mathematics and business at Glasgow University. A speedy winger, is another product of the youth policy and has represented Cumbria at under 20 as well as being a member of the recently successful Carlisle under 18 side.

MATT DAVIS

SPONSOR: Lambert-Gill Ltd, Carlisle. 01228 536515

A promising player from the Colts, Matt was born in Blackpool before moving to Carlisle where he attended Belah and Trinity Schools. He is currently a student and the highlight of his career so far was winning the county under 18 cup.

MARTIN McGIMPSEY

SPONSOR: Pro-Tect UK

Born at Carlisle but went to school north of the border at Canonbie and Langholm. He says his status is “whatever” with a young son Jack who is expecting a little brother at the time of writing. After leaving Langholm Academy, “Biff” went to Carlisle College and gained a host of practical qualifications. Now works on the railway network as a joiner!

Martin gained a host of rugby experience prior to joining Carlisle, with Langholm Colts and 1st XV; Gala 1st XV; Borders U18, U19, U21 & Development – not to mention Scotland U19.

Martin is a solid prop who has ambitions to play at as high a level as possible.

TIM HUGHES

SPONSOR: (N/A)

Although missing from the scene at the moment, Tim is still very much part of the Club. A diminutive and unpredictable scrum half, with bags of guts and character, guaranteed to confuse opponents. Small in stature but with a big heart he is generally a safe pair of hands, and one who always gives 200% +. Currently in New Zealand on “another gap year”. Tim came through the Club system and after education in Carlisle went off to Edinburgh University to learn about the deepest ocean! Graduating with a degree in something like oceanography he’s presumably testing the depths of the southern oceans!

LEE BRUMPTON

SPONSOR: The Kings Head, Fisher St. Carlisle.

Another of the Sun Hill squad – well not quite yet! A constable with the local constabulary and stationed in Carlisle. Lee is a reliable back row forward who is well capable of turning in solid, regular performances. Can also turn his hand to being a difficult centre! Educated at Sheffield Univerity, he is now married to Emma and they live in the city. Has sufferred some troublesome knee problems recently and hopefully these are now in the past. His experience and tenacity are an asset to the team.

GARETH WYLIE

SPONSOR: Norbrook Laboratories (GB) Ltd

Gareth, 27, hails from Northern Ireland and was educated at Glasgow University where he gained a BSc (Hons) in Acquatic Bioscience. Now works in as head of the analytical department at a company in Carlisle. He claims to be living in sin! Prior to coming to Carlisle, Gareth had second row experience with Banbridge RFC in their under 16 & under 18 teams who were Ulster Champions. He played for Cambuslang in Scottish Premier 3 and now seeks consistent 1st XV rugby at Carlisle.

TOM LEWIS

SPONSOR: (N/A)

Born on the Isle of Man, Tom is currently studying at Manchester University after earlier education at Caldew School in Dalston. He has been playing through the age groups at Carlisle RFC since 1999 and has won age level county competitions with the Club in 2003 and 2006; has also played in junior county representative teams. Ambitions to establish as a senior 1st XV player and for the senior Cumbria XV.

CARL WILLS

SPONSOR: Keith Wills Property Maintenance. Dartford. 07939 586634

Carl lives in the city and was educated at Robert Ferguson and Trinity schools and now works as a mechanic. He has played through the youth system and represented the Club in under 16 and under 17 county finals. Also chosen to represent Cumbria at under 18 and under 20.

RICHARD LIDDLE

SPONSOR: (Details soon)

Known as ‘Hess’ to his mates, Richard was educated at Trinity School in Carlisle and now works in the removal industry. He has come through the youth system at the Club and was one of the U17 County Cup winning side a few years ago. His ambition is to lead the Crusaders to victory in the Candy League as often as possible.

ADAM SPIERS

SPONSOR: Capita Symonds

Born in Bury he has lived in Carlisle for some time and was educated at Trinity School in the city before going on to Northumbria University (Newcastle). Now works as a building surveyor. Has come through the Club system and has represented Cumbrias at both under 16 and under 18 level. Also went on the Cumbria tour to South Africa in 2002.

MATT ROGERS

SPONSOR: (Details soon)

Matt is now in his second spell at Carlisle. Having been involved with the youth section he moved over to Creighton but has recently returned.
Prefers to play at stand off half or in the centre. Educated at Caldew School, Dalton and Newton Rigg, he now works as a gym instructor.

ADAM BLAYNEY

SPONSOR: (Details soon)

A quality back row forward who joined the Club from Keswick where he attended Keswick School before going on to Loughborough University where he is currently studying. Currently unavailable due to a serious knee injury requiring surgery.

JOHN WARWICK

SPONSOR: (N/A)

John was born in Carlisle and has been at the Club from a young age. His mum, Gillian was a one time youth registrar for the Club junior section. He is a solid prop and is currently studying at Leeds University after being educated at Robert Ferguson and Trinity Schools in Carlisle. He Is a strong prop and has represented Cumbria at under, 15, 18 and 20 levels and his ambition is to play at the highest possible level.

VOLLEY

SPONSOR: Anyone who gives him grub and cuddles!

Volley is a 2 year old black labrador currently acting as the (un)official club mascot. He was born in Warwickshire and educated at the Guide Dog Training School in Bolton. He lives in Carlisle with his boss, Mort, and gets him to and from the Club on match days etc. Rugby balls are just a bit too large to handle but he’s prone to finding plenty of tennis balls behind the grandstand!

MARTIN BURNETT

SPONSOR: (Details soon)

Getting on a bit now! Martin is the elder statesman of the squad, but still quite capable of a good game at prop. Born in Carlisle and educated at Austin Friars he went on to university and now works as a solicitor in a Carlisle practise. He lives in the city with his partner. Was heard lamenting recently on an “away” bus that, “It’s like being in a bloody creche”. Oh well, that’s what age does for you!

ARRON MURRAY

(Details to follow)

CHRIS FAIRCLOUGH

(Details to follow)

JAMES ARMIGER

(Details to follow)

JAY RITSON

(Details to follow)

LIAM NICHOLLS

SPONSOR: (Details soon)

A strong centre (and occasionally on the wing), Liam arrived at Carlisle from St Benedicts. Has had experience at Aspatria and Altringham as well as at university. Living with his partner and young daughter near St Bees, he now works as the RFU Rugby Development Officer for Cumbria.

MARK ALLAN

SPONSOR: W. Allan & Sons Scrap metal, Carlisle. 01228 526023

Mark is a useful wing forward who has regularly featured in the squad for a few years. Educated and living in Carlisle in works in the famil business, he is another who has come through the successful youth system at the Club.

MATT HENDERSON

(Details to follow)

PAUL RYAN

(Details to follow)

SCOTT SQUIRE

(Details to follow)

CHRIS HARRIS

SPONSOR: (Details soon)

Chris has been learning his rugby at Warwick Road since he was 11. Lives in Carlisle and is in the 6th form at Trinity School where is studying for ‘A, level and aspires to up to university to study civil engineering. Has represented Cumbria at various age groups and is developing well as a 13 centre.

Tim Glover-Smith

Details to follow