An unusual combination this Pope is!! 

Born in Wales, played for Rosslyn Park and spent 37 years coaching rugby at Brighton College, John Pope was the ideal candidate for the London Rugby Masters “Unsung Hero” award presented at the annual dinner in the baronial dining hall surroundings of St John’s in Leatherhead on Friday night with Rob Andrew as special guest.

Edwin Doran: When I suggested to Chris Kelly (Headmaster of St John’s Prep in Northwood, who chairs the dinner) a few years ago that I’d like to give a £500 travel voucher to a man or woman who had shown incredible devotion to schools rugby, he agreed it was a great idea. Our two previous winners have been superb candidates and Popey is right up there with them in receiving this year’s reward. My only regret is that he is retiring this year and we won’t be able to celebrate his award when Epsom and Brighton exchange fixtures for the first time this year.