Obolensky our rugby legend

Obolensky our rugby legend

In the midst of this year's 6 Nations Championship will be the 108th anniversary of the birth of a rugby legend. A man who deserves to be better remembered.

By Peter Foy

Obolensky our rugby legendPrince Alexander Sergeevich Obolensky was born in Petrograd on 17 February 1916. His family were forced to flee their home during the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 and, like so many persecuted people, found refuge in the UK. Obolensky thrived in his adopted homeland, academically gifted, he was awarded a scholarship to read PPE at Oxford, and he was also an exceptionally talented sportsman. At Oxford he won two rugby blues, he also played for Chesterfield, Leicester Tigers and Rosslyn Park.

Forced to flee his country of birth, he chose to serve his adopted home...  

On 4 January 1936, he won his first cap for England against the All Blacks, an achievement made all the better by scoring 2 tries in his adopted nation’s first win against New Zealand. His first try saw him receive the ball from a scrum and he ran 75 yards for a magnificent touchdown. Captured on Pathe news footage which was shown around the country, the try made Obolensky a national hero. You can still see the footage on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjb8eO0bJ3U

As war approached, Obolensky was commissioned as an officer in the RAF. He died on the 29 March 1940 in a flying accident at RAF Martlesham Heath, just outside of Ipswich. A statue, by the artist Harry Gray, was paid for by public subscription and stands in the centre of Ipswich. It commemorates an amazing man. Forced to flee his country of birth, he chose to serve his adopted home both on the field of play and in battle.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: 
What do you think of garden gnomes?
How to improve your morning commute

 

Published: 9 February 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

New job
Transport Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £26,000 - £28,500 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913723
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Halstead who are recruiting for a Transport Coordinator to add to their team.

You will be responsible for planning and coordinating the transportation of goods and materials from one location to another.

Key tasks include:

  • Answering incoming calls, giving product information, lead times, dealing with general enquiries and queries, redirecting calls to relevant departments.
  • Planning and coordinating the movement of goods between locations using various modes of transportation.
  • Communicating with customers, drivers, carriers, and other parties to ensure smooth and timely delivery of shipments.
  • Maintaining records and reports of transportation activities and transactions.
  • Scanning documentation.
  • Arranging couriers and/or carriers as required

Role key requirements include:

  • Strong communication, organisational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Good eye for detail.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • Courteous.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous Transport Coordinator experience gained within an office environment.
  • Customer Services experience would be desirable.
  • Excellent telephone manner with the ability to communicate at all levels.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with in-house systems.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
  • Friday 8.30am to 14.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Export Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £28,000 - £34,000 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913722
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Halstead with the recruitment of an Export Administrator to join their team.

You will be responsible for servicing current and prospective customers by receiving and processing orders, enquiries and general information in a timely and courteous manner.

Key tasks include:

  • Answering incoming calls, giving product information, lead times, dealing with general enquiries and queries, and redirecting calls to relevant departments.
  • Processing and managing export orders, shipments, and documentation in compliance with international regulations and procedures.
  • Providing excellent customer service and handling any queries or complaints related to export operations.
  • Maintaining accurate records and reports of export activities and transactions.

Key requirements include:

  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Good eye for detail.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • Courteous.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous Export Administrative experience gained within an office environment.
  • Excellent telephone manner with the ability to communicate at all levels.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with in-house systems.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
  • Friday, 8.30am to 2.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more