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George Shipman Jr - Thank you!
George H Shipman20 Mar - 09:05
Departure Announcement of Shipman Jr Director of Rugby.
Departure Announcement of Shipman Jr Director of Rugby.
Wellingborough Rugby Club can today announce that George Shipman Jr has officially stepped down from his role as Director of Rugby after 15 years. This will be effective at the conclusion of the current season. This decision signifies the end of an important chapter in the history of our club.
George remarked, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role, but I believe it is now the right moment for a change. I do not want any fuss and would love nothing more than to conclude the season with a few productive training sessions and some successes across all senior teams in the final games, Thank you for all your support over the years; let’s finish the season strong.”
George’s playing career has been entirely with Wellingborough RFC, progressing through the ranks from minis, juniors, to Colts and eventually seniors. During his junior years, he also represented East Northants teams. Among his contemporaries still associated with the club are Peter Gilbey, Jason Minney, Peter Vickers, and Matt MacPhetson. George attended Brunel University, where he played for one of the university teams, as well as for London Scottish, and participated in a tour of Scotland, competing against the Scotland Under-20s as a prop. He studied sports science and conducted interviews with most of the then Premiership coaches and Directors of Rugby as part of his dissertation. His sole experience outside of Wellingborough RCC came during his first coaching season when he served as player-coach for Northampton Casuals.
As a long-term asset to Wellingborough Rugby Club, George who was recruited back as Head Coach and Director of Rugby by former first-team coach Steve Hill. George led the club in achieving the RFU accreditation award. He played a key role in attaining the Kids First accreditation and was instrumental in the club's floodlight project in 2014. He is likely our longest-serving first-team coach. George's contributions were pivotal in key moments on the pitch too, including the push for promotion in the 2012 playoff final against Coalville and, most recently, the league victory in 2023.
His commitment, work ethic, and presence in the changing room have been invaluable, guiding younger players through their transition to senior rugby. His leadership, talent, and dedication will leave a lasting legacy on many players he has mentored. This sentiment is echoed in Steve Hill's (RIP) acknowledgment, which earned George Club Colours in 2014.
In Steve's words, "George's contributions began with his efforts to achieve accreditation for the mini/junior section, eventually leading to the Whole Club Seal of Approval, a benchmark for other clubs aspiring to attain this status. He has consistently put forth numerous proposals to ensure the club’s continued success in the years to come. Additionally, George’s playing background further solidifies his qualifications for Club Colours, as he has undeniably gone above and beyond in his commitment over an extended period which meets the criteria for Club Colours, He has also significantly influenced our relations with the local RFU, East Midlands, and various school partnerships. We should all be very proud of him"
Many friendships have been made but former 1st team captain Pete Vickers had this to say in a fitting tribute to George
“I first met George in 1997 when we were 10 years old, having just moved to Wellingborough and joined WRFC at the first opportunity. Our coaches were George Shipman Snr, Paul Chopping, Tony Bolton and Nick Parker; teammates included Pete Gilbey, Jason Minney, Matt McPhearson amongst others and George Shipman jnr.
From Juniors through to Colts, we played a lot of rugby and toured together. At 14, we were selected for the East Northants Alliance, which was a merger of the East Northants and Northants Alliance teams, to take part in a tournament in L’Aquila, Italy. On the coach to the airport one of the lads from another club had brought some “Immac Cream”, which apparently was this special cream that removes hair. None of us had ever seen or used this before, so the lad decided to put a clump on George’s legendary Shipman barnet whilst he was asleep. Sure enough, within 5 minutes George had a lovely bald patch on the side of his head and proceeded to spend the next 5 days refusing to shave the rest of his head to balance out the bald spot! He saw the funny side and didn’t moan once, something that has always made George stand out since I’ve known him.
George and I were part of a very successful Colts team with the likes of Pete Gilbey, Karl McAndrew, Rob Armstrong and our (not so) inspirational leader Leo Plant. During this time George went off to Uni in London and started playing for London Scottish and we played against each other during my time at Bedford Blues. When George finished Uni and I was-back at Boro we played a few years of 1st team rugby together. During this time the infamous Super Sunday Cider Sessions began (thank you Owen) along with the very eventful nights-in the Horseshoe (thank you again, Owen!) I also remember doing a karaoke duet with George in Blackpool on the legendary Past, Present & Future Tour (we might have been naked). Good times and great memories made with a good mate.
After a few years of playing and a struggle with a persistent ankle injury, George made the decision to move into coaching. Playing against Casuals where George had taken up the head coaches’ role the year we won the league was a strange experience, but it was the start of his coaching career and I respected him a lot for taking on the coaching role there.
When George came back to coach WRFC I was 1st Team captain and we enjoyed some amazing highs and some disappointing lows together. But George leading us to the league play-off final is still one of my rugby highlights and was a culmination of years of hard work George had put into-the team.
George has given so much to Wellingborough Rugby Football Club, joining a very small group of people who have played for the club at mini, junior, Colts and 1st team, and become Head Coach.
George is one of my oldest friends and I’m proud to still call him that today. I have had the pleasure of playing a lot of rugby with him as a player and as my coach and I am incredibly proud to see all he has achieved in his life with his family, his work and for everything he has done for WRFC.
I look forward to enjoying a few beers with him at the end of the season and looking through some old photos of us from over the years.
Well done George, for all your years of hard work and dedication to the club and thank you for all your support to me personally over the years.”
As we both embark on new journeys, we wish George the very best in his future endeavours as he continues to coach the U12’s. Where we are
are confident that he will continue to excel and grow future 1st team players. Our current chairman Leo Plant adds
“After an incredible 15 years as Director of Rugby, I want to take a moment to express a heartfelt thank you to George for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our club. His passion for the game and for this club has been second to none, helping to shape players, develop teams, and drive the club forward both on and off the pitch. His influence has been felt at every level, from the senior sides to the next generation coming through.
While he’s stepping down from the role, we’re fortunate that his journey with Wellingborough isn’t coming to an end. His knowledge and experience will continue to benefit our juniors, passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
On behalf of everyone at Wellingborough RFC—players, coaches, supporters, and committee members past and present—thank you, George, for your incredible service and commitment.
Thank you George”
Saturday will mark George’s last home game in charge. We would like to invite all club members to join the team on the pitch Saturday afternoon as we form a guard of honour for George.
On behalf of everyone involved with Wellingborough Rugby Club, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to George for his invaluable contributions to our club. He is truly a club legend.
Wellingborough Rugby Club can today announce that George Shipman Jr has officially stepped down from his role as Director of Rugby after 15 years. This will be effective at the conclusion of the current season. This decision signifies the end of an important chapter in the history of our club.
George remarked, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role, but I believe it is now the right moment for a change. I do not want any fuss and would love nothing more than to conclude the season with a few productive training sessions and some successes across all senior teams in the final games, Thank you for all your support over the years; let’s finish the season strong.”
George’s playing career has been entirely with Wellingborough RFC, progressing through the ranks from minis, juniors, to Colts and eventually seniors. During his junior years, he also represented East Northants teams. Among his contemporaries still associated with the club are Peter Gilbey, Jason Minney, Peter Vickers, and Matt MacPhetson. George attended Brunel University, where he played for one of the university teams, as well as for London Scottish, and participated in a tour of Scotland, competing against the Scotland Under-20s as a prop. He studied sports science and conducted interviews with most of the then Premiership coaches and Directors of Rugby as part of his dissertation. His sole experience outside of Wellingborough RCC came during his first coaching season when he served as player-coach for Northampton Casuals.
As a long-term asset to Wellingborough Rugby Club, George who was recruited back as Head Coach and Director of Rugby by former first-team coach Steve Hill. George led the club in achieving the RFU accreditation award. He played a key role in attaining the Kids First accreditation and was instrumental in the club's floodlight project in 2014. He is likely our longest-serving first-team coach. George's contributions were pivotal in key moments on the pitch too, including the push for promotion in the 2012 playoff final against Coalville and, most recently, the league victory in 2023.
His commitment, work ethic, and presence in the changing room have been invaluable, guiding younger players through their transition to senior rugby. His leadership, talent, and dedication will leave a lasting legacy on many players he has mentored. This sentiment is echoed in Steve Hill's (RIP) acknowledgment, which earned George Club Colours in 2014.
In Steve's words, "George's contributions began with his efforts to achieve accreditation for the mini/junior section, eventually leading to the Whole Club Seal of Approval, a benchmark for other clubs aspiring to attain this status. He has consistently put forth numerous proposals to ensure the club’s continued success in the years to come. Additionally, George’s playing background further solidifies his qualifications for Club Colours, as he has undeniably gone above and beyond in his commitment over an extended period which meets the criteria for Club Colours, He has also significantly influenced our relations with the local RFU, East Midlands, and various school partnerships. We should all be very proud of him"
Many friendships have been made but former 1st team captain Pete Vickers had this to say in a fitting tribute to George
“I first met George in 1997 when we were 10 years old, having just moved to Wellingborough and joined WRFC at the first opportunity. Our coaches were George Shipman Snr, Paul Chopping, Tony Bolton and Nick Parker; teammates included Pete Gilbey, Jason Minney, Matt McPhearson amongst others and George Shipman jnr.
From Juniors through to Colts, we played a lot of rugby and toured together. At 14, we were selected for the East Northants Alliance, which was a merger of the East Northants and Northants Alliance teams, to take part in a tournament in L’Aquila, Italy. On the coach to the airport one of the lads from another club had brought some “Immac Cream”, which apparently was this special cream that removes hair. None of us had ever seen or used this before, so the lad decided to put a clump on George’s legendary Shipman barnet whilst he was asleep. Sure enough, within 5 minutes George had a lovely bald patch on the side of his head and proceeded to spend the next 5 days refusing to shave the rest of his head to balance out the bald spot! He saw the funny side and didn’t moan once, something that has always made George stand out since I’ve known him.
George and I were part of a very successful Colts team with the likes of Pete Gilbey, Karl McAndrew, Rob Armstrong and our (not so) inspirational leader Leo Plant. During this time George went off to Uni in London and started playing for London Scottish and we played against each other during my time at Bedford Blues. When George finished Uni and I was-back at Boro we played a few years of 1st team rugby together. During this time the infamous Super Sunday Cider Sessions began (thank you Owen) along with the very eventful nights-in the Horseshoe (thank you again, Owen!) I also remember doing a karaoke duet with George in Blackpool on the legendary Past, Present & Future Tour (we might have been naked). Good times and great memories made with a good mate.
After a few years of playing and a struggle with a persistent ankle injury, George made the decision to move into coaching. Playing against Casuals where George had taken up the head coaches’ role the year we won the league was a strange experience, but it was the start of his coaching career and I respected him a lot for taking on the coaching role there.
When George came back to coach WRFC I was 1st Team captain and we enjoyed some amazing highs and some disappointing lows together. But George leading us to the league play-off final is still one of my rugby highlights and was a culmination of years of hard work George had put into-the team.
George has given so much to Wellingborough Rugby Football Club, joining a very small group of people who have played for the club at mini, junior, Colts and 1st team, and become Head Coach.
George is one of my oldest friends and I’m proud to still call him that today. I have had the pleasure of playing a lot of rugby with him as a player and as my coach and I am incredibly proud to see all he has achieved in his life with his family, his work and for everything he has done for WRFC.
I look forward to enjoying a few beers with him at the end of the season and looking through some old photos of us from over the years.
Well done George, for all your years of hard work and dedication to the club and thank you for all your support to me personally over the years.”
As we both embark on new journeys, we wish George the very best in his future endeavours as he continues to coach the U12’s. Where we are
are confident that he will continue to excel and grow future 1st team players. Our current chairman Leo Plant adds
“After an incredible 15 years as Director of Rugby, I want to take a moment to express a heartfelt thank you to George for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our club. His passion for the game and for this club has been second to none, helping to shape players, develop teams, and drive the club forward both on and off the pitch. His influence has been felt at every level, from the senior sides to the next generation coming through.
While he’s stepping down from the role, we’re fortunate that his journey with Wellingborough isn’t coming to an end. His knowledge and experience will continue to benefit our juniors, passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
On behalf of everyone at Wellingborough RFC—players, coaches, supporters, and committee members past and present—thank you, George, for your incredible service and commitment.
Thank you George”
Saturday will mark George’s last home game in charge. We would like to invite all club members to join the team on the pitch Saturday afternoon as we form a guard of honour for George.
On behalf of everyone involved with Wellingborough Rugby Club, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to George for his invaluable contributions to our club. He is truly a club legend.
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