John Southern Spencer (born 10 August 1947)^[1] is a former England international rugby union player.

Early life

Spencer was born in Grassington, Yorkshire, in 1947 and educated at Cressbrook, Sedbergh School, and Queens' College, Cambridge.

Playing career

Spencer played for Cambridge in the Varsity Matches of 1967, 1968 and 1969. He played club rugby for Headingley as a centre and made his England debut at the age of 21 against Ireland at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, in February 1969. He went on to play 14 times for England, scoring 2 tries. His last game was against the President's Overseas XV in a Rugby Football Union centenary match at Twickenham in April 1971. He captained England in four internationals.

Spencer was selected for the 1971 British Lions tour to New Zealand and played in ten matches on the tour but failed to make the grade for any of the four test matches against the All Blacks. He also represented the Barbarians.^[2]

Administrative roles

Spencer was President of the RFU in 2017-18 and President of the Wharfedale R.U.F.C. in Grassington. In December 2019 he was named as President of the Barbarians.

Spencer was the tour manager for the British & Irish Lions on their 2017 tour to New Zealand.^[3]

Personal life

Spencer is married to his wife Amanda, and has three children, David, Hazel and Emily.