Obituary for John Finlan
September 1941 – August 2023
It is with great sadness that we formally announce the death of John Finlan.
After leaving Saltley Grammar School John Finlan played for Old Saltleians, Coventry, Moseley, Barbarians and North Midlands. He made his England international debut, at fly half, against Ireland on 11th February 1967 at Landsdowne Road. He retained his place for the remainder of that season’s International Championship. He dropped goals in his second and third England appearances against France and Scotland.
He toured Canada with England in 1967 and played against New Zealand, Wales and Ireland in 1967/68, dropping another goal in the latter match. He played in all four of England’s International Championship matches of 1968/69 and won his final two caps against France in 1970 and New Zealand in 1973. In total he gained 13 England caps over a six year international career. He also played for Midland Counties West in their famous victory over the All Blacks at the Reddings on 6th December 1972.
Following his retirement from playing John Finlan became an England selector.
John remained a true Old Saltleian at heart and continued his close relationship with the club throughout his subsequent illustrious international career. We are proud to display his first England shirt and other international exchange shirts that he presented to our Club.
John Finlan [centre] presenting his England shirt to Old Salts President Bob Glover. Also pictured from left to right are Keith Baughan, current Captain, Tim Janes [previous Captain] and Ed Pattison [Club Secretary]
John will be sadly missed by his many friends at Old Saltleians and by those in the wider rugby fraternity.
His funeral will be at 1300 hrs on Monday 11th September at Oakley Wood Crematorium, North Chapel, Bishops Tachbrook, Leamington Spa, CV33 9QP
The Wake will be at Stratford Golf Club, Tiddington Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon,
Warwickshire CV37 7BA
Please contact Peter Brown on 07842979560 if you are planning to attend either the service or the wake.
RIP Our England Man.
Mal Richards
President Old Saltleians RFC