It is a great sadness to announce the death of John Greenwood, who passed away suddenly on 9th July. He was a deeply respected figure in the world of rugby and one of the club’s longest serving members.
In his playing days John was one of the finest rugby union players in Yorkshire and his club record is second to none. He made the first of his 532 First XV appearances in 1958 and his first team career continued to the end of the 1984/85 season. He captained the team for two spells, firstly from 1965 to 1967 and again in the 1972/73 season. His county career was equally impressive, extending from 1965 until 1974 during which time he collected 37 caps and the captaincy. Along with hooker John Billington and tight head prop Dick Auckland he was a member of the all Huddersfield RUFC Yorkshire front row. At the end of his playing days for Yorkshire John went on to serve the county as area representative from 1974 to 1979 and thereafter as a team selector.
John was an exceptional athlete and continued to enjoy his rugby for many years after the end of his time in the First XV, representing the club in every one of our senior teams. After hanging up his boot he remained a loyal supporter of our teams and was a regular attender both home and away. He was President of Huddersfield RUFC 1991-92 and was made a Honorary Life Member of the club in 2017.
In his working life John was a Director in the family textile firm Walter Greenwood and Co. in Holmfirth. His energy and drive saw him continue to work long into his ‘retirement’ years, latterly working alongside his son Angus in his Yonda Sportswear business in Honley.
Deepest sympathies are extended from all at HRUFC to John’s wife Anne, children Angus and April and all his family and friends.
- John’s Funeral will be held at Huddersfield Crematorium at 12.15pm on 19th August.
