The Ground Jewels

John Taylor & Old Deer Park

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Episode notes

This week's guest is John Taylor and John has nominated Old Deer Park in south-west London, home to London Welsh Rugby Football Club as his Ground Jewel.

John is a legend of rugby union. First as a Grand Slam winner with Wales and then as part of the only British & Irish Lions team to win in New Zealand. He also took an incredibly brave and principled stand against sporting contact with apartheid South Africa, which as we learn cost him a few Welsh caps and a notable appearance for the Barbarians.

At his heart John is a one club man, he joined London Welsh from Loughborough Students in 1966 and is yet to leave. He's been a player, an administrator and now serves as the club President.

His passion for ODP shines through this interview and he even treats us to some anecdotes featuring Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and King Charles III.

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Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

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Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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