Ian Moralee

Did you play?

Yes I played all of my rugby at Houghton RFC. I played school rugby and joined Houghton as a 16 year old playing in their Colts team. I then moved onto the 1st XV and played for 10 years until an ACL tear finished my playing career.

What position did you play and what were the best parts of your game?

I played mostly at 10 or 12 but was a better defender than attacker. My favourite part of the game would be tackling!

Favourite player and best opponent?

Favourite player would be the Kiwi Carlos Spencer and best opponent was Will Carling when he was at Durham University.

What got you into coaching?

Like many coaches I was standing on a touchline watching my 6 year old son playing when the coach asked if I could lend a hand. To be honest I’d always wanted to get back into the game, but didn’t know anyone in the local club to approach. This started me coaching and it has turned into a passion. I think we have to get better as coaches if we expect the players to get better. So it’s a journey of constant learning and self- improvement.

What’s your coaching journey?

I started with Ponteland U6’s and then moved onto the Colts and then the seniors. At that time I was on my Level 3 coaching award and felt I needed to be a head coach to get the most out of it, so I applied to coach Novos Women in the Championship North. The ladies are fantastically committed - they’re closest away game was Leeds and I really enjoyed my time there. I then moved to Ashington as Head coach and then onto Gosforth. 

I’ve also been coaching Newcastle University for the last 3 years as well as being involved in coaching various County sides for the last 7 or 8 years.

Current Newcastle Falcons Forward and Gosforth RFC coach

Gosforth RFC Level 3 Coach

 Swedish Winter Olympic S&C Coach

A Chartered Physiotherapist for treatment, pre-hab, re-hab and game strapping