My Passion With Owen Turner

ART and sport, particularly rugby, were my twin passions at school. I displayed a natural ability for both, and eventually one became my profession and the other my hobby!

I was first introduced to rugby union at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Ashbourne at the age of 12. When our family moved to Ryedale I attended Lady Lumley’s school in Pickering, captaining teams in football, cross-country running, athletics and basketball; but something was missing... unfortunately the school had never played rugby, so I ventured down the road to Malton and Norton Rugby Union Club.

Playing in a range of positions in the backs before settling into the centre, I represented the club at junior, colts and senior level from the age of 16 to 19. I captained the colts team and eventually played for North Yorkshire at county level.

I loved rugby so much that even after I’d broken my left arm, ripping the tendons, I was back playing within the season. I was hugely inspired by the many talented England players around at the time; heroes such as Will Carling and Jonny Wilkinson.

I particularly admired the leadership skills of Jack Rowell and Clive Woodward leading up to England’s amazing World Cup triumph of 2003. At university in Bath ‘social’ rugby became the norm. I enjoyed rugby sevens, and there was a real camaraderie in playing competitive level sport – and of course the drinking games!

I spent my Saturday afternoons selling Bath rugby programmes just so I could have front row seats to see what was then one of the best teams around. I was also lucky enough to see England playing international matches at Twickenham many times.

The start of my career saw me moving to Bristol and playing for Old Bristolians, but after a welcome move back up to Yorkshire in 2005 I was introduced to York RI RUFC.

Here I played consistently for both senior teams, leading the second team to a number of successes; but following a fantastic season I suffered a horrific injury, breaking my leg in three places.

To make matters worse, this happened during the month I set up my business and just two weeks before my first child was born! I still have a six-inch plate and some pins in my leg as a souvenir.

Since my enforced break I’ve struggled to get back to playing, but last season played until Christmas with York RI seconds, captaining the side and winning every game. I then seemed to lose my nerve and confidence a bit, but have continued to work on my fitness.

At 36, I realise I’m no spring chicken in sporting terms, but would still love to play competitively again.