Bernie’s British Empire Medal
For more than four decades Bernie Coyne has been making a real difference and improving the lives of adults and youngsters through rugby union and that was recognised by the award of a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
From joining Middlesbrough Rugby Club in 1976, Bernie has given continuous service to the club, to rugby and to the wider local community. He played 400 games for the 1st team, served as club captain, played for England U23s and Yorkshire County in an age when the County Championship was the foremost competition below international rugby.
During his playing years, and as first team coach, he always used his considerable knowledge and expertise assisting, supporting and developing young players throughout the club, including those who were eventually to reach the highest level, such as Rob Andrew and Rory Underwood.
Bernie taught PE, became Head of Department, Head of Year and later progressed to Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher.
A desire to win was always balanced and tempered with an underpinning sense of fair play and respect for the opposition
Bernie said: “I was surprised and extremely humbled to receive this award. I feel very proud knowing that my longstanding voluntary contribution to rugby has been appreciated. I, like my fellow volunteers, am keen to promote the values of rugby to a broader audience. My passion is that I want young people to enjoy playing rugby at Middlesbrough Rugby Club.
“Having started coaching with the ‘Team of 76 ’, I am pleased to say that I still see some of those players at the club, which is testament to the fact that rugby builds lifelong ties.”
When he retired from playing in the late 1980s, Bernie used his considerable teaching experience to assist hundreds of young and adult players to develop their game and improve their skills. He has been club coach, has coached various age group squads and acted as Coaching Co-ordinator; served as Director of Rugby, Colts Organiser, Player Registration Secretary and Referees Co-ordinator. And he is currently Junior and Mini Organiser, School Liaison Officer and Safeguarding Officer.
