John Cusack was a popular figure in Cumbrian rugby union circles as a player for many years.
The Cumbria Rams were a big part of the Cumbrian rugby landscape for over 30 years and had been set up by John who couldn’t face the prospect of hanging up his boots when his team place had gone at Cockermouth.
His idea with the Rams was to give ageing players, no longer up to first team rugby, a chance to keep on playing the game they loved.
The initiative went on to win an RFU President’s Award in 2008, not only for keeping men playing rugby but also for raising £40,000 for local charities.
Charities that received Rams cash then were West Cumbria Hospice at Home, the Eden Valley Hospice, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation, the air ambulance and others.
Sixteen years on from this Cockermouth RUFC members Chris Wright, Dale Pope and Craig Muller are part of a group re-establishing John’s initiative.
After a couple of seasons playing as Allerdale Barbarians – a successful liaison between Cockermouth, Aspatria, Wigton and Keswick – the team has expanded to form the Wooden Spoon Cumbrian Rams who will travel to the National Vets Festival on Saturday September 28 at Old Reigations RFC, Surrey.
Vets Fest was created to bring the rugby players back together and give something back to rugby.
Like the Cumbria Rams of old, this squad will be raising money for the Cumbria Wooden Spoon Charity, which ensures young people with disadvantages are getting fantastic funded opportunities including buildings and programmes.
Chris Wright said: “As a young player breaking into Cockermouth Wasps senior set-up, John was an inspiration, still playing rugby in his colourful boots as full back.
“I remember attending one Cumbria Rams game’s after-sessions when the atmosphere in the clubhouse was brilliant and it’s vital we keep retired players in the game, not just for the physical and mental benefits on the pitch but the social experiences off the pitch.
“We are delighted that Cockermouth RUFC is again at the forefront of this programme.
“None of us have yet gone for the pink or yellow boots John used to play in but we certainly hope to do a fine a job as John did with this programme.”
The squad to date is:
Cockermouth RUFC: Chris Wright (Captain); Dale Pope; Craig Muller; Ian Smith; David Griffiths. Keswick RUFC: David Raye; Rob Nelson; Bryan Moi; Andy Wallace. Aspatria RUFC: Heine Jonker. Aspatria Hornets RLFC: James Robinson; Richard Holliday. Wigton RUFC: Steve Carruthers. Penrith: David Bowman.
