Congratulation to ex-Tynedale player John Fletcher (“Fletch”) who is to be retrospectively honoured with a full England Cap in recognition of his appearance for England in their 19-14 victory over Canada on their tour in June 1993.

The RFU has announced an initiative to formally recognise 47 players who represented England in significant international fixtures but did not receive a full England cap at the time. These retrospective honours, acknowledge players who took the field for the best available England men’s senior side in sanctioned matches dating back to 1945.
CLICK HERE to view Post on RFU website

At the time of his England appearance 22 year-old stonemason John had played four seasons for Tynedale 1stXV after graduating from the Colts in 1989. John left Tynedale for Northampton at the start of the 1993-1994 season in a pre-arranged move which sparked a successful and highly-regarded career in rugby.

John is, of course, still a regular and welcome visitor to Tynedale Park where he combines his role at Newcastle Red Bulls with his roles of parent, Tynedale supporter and rugby supporter in general.

John’s eldest son Ollie plays hooker for Newcastle Red Bulls, middle son Archie plays flanker for Scottish Premiership club Currie Chieftains and baby Ted plays stand-off for Tynedale Colts and has already represented the 1stXV this season at the tender age of 17.

In typical jovial fashion John commented that he was truly honoured and grateful for the retrospective recognition and also that he was privileged to now be a member of the exclusive “One Cap Wonder” Club.

NEIL MCDOWELL
Also among the 47 players gaining retrospective caps is Neil McDowell who played for Tynedale in the 1977-1978 season before moving on to Gosforth where he was selected for England’s tour of Canada and the USA in 1982.

Neil is back as a regular visitor to Tynedale Park, to watch and chauffeur his 19 year-old son Tom who plays scum-half for the Raiders with a couple of appearances for the 1stV already under his belt.

SOME OTHERS GETTING CAPS
DAVE ROBINSON “Robbo” (Gosforth) – 1971
JEFF BELL (Gosforth, previously Middlesbrough) – 1977
JOHN BUTLER (Gosforth) – 1979 (RIP)
ALAN MCMILLAN (Gosforth, previously Morpeth) – 1979 (RIP)
JOHN WELLS (Leicester, now Tynedale resident) - 1990