Editorial

Freelance Writer

 

My writing career took off from the moment I was commissioned by Rugby World to do a colour piece on ex-England winger Tony Underwood’s new career as a commercial airline pilot.

Since then I have written hundreds if not thousands of articles on Rugby Union, online and in print, for a variety of publications and organisations.

In 2002 I was appointed as editor of the UK’s first weekly newspaper dedicated solely to Rugby Union. Over 350 issues were printed before it ceased publication in 2011 – the same year that the title was recognised for its services to the sport at the Guinness/London Irish Sports Journalist Awards.

I was then contacted by industry rival, The Rugby Paper, to begin work with them immediately and have held the position as northern news editor ever since. I am able to draw on my vast array of contacts to cover all aspects of the game from grass roots to the international scene, breaking exclusive stories such as Jean de Villiers’ move to Leicester.

Outside of my Rugby Paper work, I provide match reports for the Yorkshire Post and a number of other regional newspapers. Previously I was a regular contributor to the RFU’s England Rugby Magazine, Sky Sports Preview Magazine, The Guardian and held the position as chief Rugby Union writer for the betting title, The Sportsman.

News & Features

From grass roots to the international scene, I have been commissioned to write articles on Rugby Union for Rugby World, England Rugby Magazine, Sky Sports Magazine, The Sportsman and a host of websites as well as being a regular contributor of news and features to The Rugby Paper.

Match Reports

Since 2002, I have reported on professional Rugby Union matches for national and regional titles including The Guardian, The Yorkshire Post and Birmingham Mail.

Ghost-writing

Professional sportsmen and women can rely on me making them look good on the page or screen while they concentrate on being the best they can on the pitch or track. I have ghost-written Rugby World Cup columns for former England Rugby Captains Neil Back and Martin Corry and fellow internationals Andy Gomarsall and Pete Richards. I’ve also worked with former France coach Dave Ellis, World Cup winner Jason Robinson and Wales coach Shaun Edwards and regularly write first-person narratives for The Rugby Paper.

Live Blogging

Part of my undertaking with World Rugby is to provide an informative and lively live-blogging service from top-level competitions such as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the World Rugby U20 Championship. I have also blogged on Six Nations matches for the official Championship website.

SEO Writing

Working for a wide array of clients from interior designers to law firms and door manufacturers, I am able to provide quality online content to tight deadlines and strict briefs.

Travel Writing

Articles have appeared in Great Western Train’s Go! Magazine and the TransPennine Express’s publication, Explorer.
Explorer – 24 Hours in Preston
EXplorer – Out for Nowt

Editorial Consultant/Project Management

Since 2011 I have worked as an editorial consultant for World Rugby and the Rugby Football Union.

World Rugby

Utilising my experience and contacts within the game has enabled me to provide extensive coverage on a wide range of topics in men’s and women’s rugby in both 15s and Sevens for the website www.worldrugby.org.

I have written feature articles, previews and reviews on all the major tournaments and some less well-known, from the Rugby World Cup through to the South American B Championship, and live blogged on the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2015, using the Pulse Content Management System.

Other regular tasks include writing and proof-reading articles for the World Rugby Yearbook and ‘Year in Review’ magazine, conducting interviews at the annual World Rugby Conference & Exhibition and providing regular assistance with World Rugby Hall of Fame biographies and press releases.

I have also assisted World Rugby TV in setting up interviews with high-profile personalities: Harry Walker, the oldest surviving England international, and defence guru Dave Ellis to name just two.

Seb Lauzier, World Rugby Head of Content

 Whether working on a specific event or providing general cover, Jon combines a dependable service and strong work ethic with an astute sense of editorial judgement. He’s also a very personable guy and consistently a pleasure to work with.

The RFU

I have co-edited Rugby Connected (the RFU’s Club Directory/Yearbook) since 2011. With over 800 pages, Rugby Connected provides reviews, stats and vital club information from the professional ranks through to the community end of the game.

I also co-ordinate the official Greene King IPA Championship Dream Team for the RFU, a concept first introduced by myself back in 2003, and have assisted editorially at events such as the County Championship.

 

 

Patricia Mowbray, Editorial Manager, Rugby Football Union

Independent Content Services (ICS)

I manage all of ICS’s Rugby Union content which is used by top level clients such as Bet 365 and Planet Rugby.