Since joining the club in 2000, Gus has held coaching roles with the club’s juniors section before becoming team manager for the second team and more recently the first team, a role which he’s held for 18 years. In that time the 1st XV have progressed from National Three North to National One, winning the County Cup on three occasions.

DMP Director of Rugby Garry Law said: “Really sorry to see Gus step away from his role as DMP Team Manager. He has been an invaluable help to myself and the 1st team squad during my time at the Club. Most of the work I don’t even need to hear about or act on, Gus just goes about his business and gets it done. His commitment and availability to helping has been incredible, there’s been many an occasion when we have had a last minute deadline to make and Gus has answered the call and made it happen.”

Club Chairman Kevin Robinson added: “‘In my capacity as Chairman of the club, I would like to echo the comments made by Garry Law and add that Gus has not only been an integral part of the 1st XV set up, but also a major part of the inner workings of the whole club ethos of togetherness and family. The total professionalism he has shown in his managerial role has been immense and he has always gone over and above, unselfishly and all on a volunteer basis, which is a further example of his dedication.”

“With my President of Durham RFU hat on, may I also, on behalf of Durham County Rugby, extend our grateful thanks for all his efforts in his other role as Team Manager of Durham County Senior Men’s 1st XV, a role to which he also afforded the same dedication and at the same time acknowledging his contribution towards Durham’s annual involvement in the National Cup competition, which saw Gus take the team to success at Twickenham HQ.”

"On a personal note, I would like to add that I will miss his invaluable counsel in all club matters club and rugby related. Having known Gus personally and professionally for some 30 years, this has always been his ‘modus operandi’ and I am certain his new venture overseas will be the success he deserves."

Speaking about his time with the club, Gus said: “I leave the club with a sad heart to take up a work opportunity overseas for the next 2 years after 24 fantastic years at DMP. I’ve had the pleasure of working with excellent coaches in Danny Brown, John Newton and laterally Garry Law and Joe Cain, brilliant physios in Rob Rudland and Amy Coleman, but also not forgetting some great people off the field in John Ritchie, Andy Westgarth, Andy Craggs, Derek Outhwaite, Kevin Robinson, Mick Birch, Micky Hunter, Tom Bulmer and Mike Keeligan who tirelessly give or gave their time as volunteers or employees to keep this great club running. Also a big thank you to all the players and captains both past and present that have played for the club, we wouldn’t be where we are without them.”

“I will miss Saturdays and look forward to coming back to the UK to watch my beloved DMP. DMP forever!!!”

On behalf of everyone at the club we’d like to thank Gus for his incredible dedication to all things DMP, and we wish him all the very best for the future.