Jack Gregory

During and after World War II, Jack Gregory served with the Depot and Training Establishment of the Royal Army Medical Corps at Aldershot, as a sergeant instructor. During his time in service, he played rugby for the Army and Combined Services as a wing three-quarter. He was also a fine sprinter, and was third in the 1947 AAA 100 yards, won by McDonald Bailey. It was unfortunate for Gregory that Bailey was running in the same era, as it probably cost him the chance of many titles. However, Gregory did win the Irish sprint title after joining the Dublin Crusaders AC in 1948, and also won a silver medal with the British sprint relay team at the 1948 Olympics. The squad finished second but briefly held the gold medal position after the USA were disqualified, before being reinstated. Gregory appeared in his second Olympic sprint relay final in 1952, finishing fourth.

It was, however, as a rugby player that Jack Gregory was better known, and in November 1945 he played for the combined Richmond and Blackheath team against Harleqeuins, in the first match at Twickenham since 1939. He played professional Rugby League for a brief spell after that, which resulted him being banned from playing the Union code until the start of the 1948-49 season, when he re-joined Blackheath. In 1949 Gregory won his only England cap, against Wales at Cardiff. Shortly afterwards he played in the County Championship final for Gloucestershire, but lost to Lancashire at Blundellsands. Four months later he again represented Gloucestershire, but this time in the Inter-counties athletic championships at the White City. He joined the Bristol RUFC in the 1949-50 season, and was made captain. Gregory also played for the Barbarians, and in November 1953, had the honour of captaining the Western Counties against the touring All Blacks.

Personal Best: 100y – 9.8 (1950).