After sadly losing my rugby loving Dad to cancer in 2021, my Mum suggested making a wooden rugby ball urn. This was a challenging task outside of my usual skill set so I waited until I could dedicate a month to work on the project.

The wonderful feedback inspired me to pursue this niche, investing lots of time and resources to make them the product they are today. I'm proud to say they've come a long way since this first urn.

It's the business I never wanted, but I love making them as they combine two of my passions, and I hope to bring as much fulfilment to other families and fans alike.

My Story

About Me

I first started woodturning aged 11 on a lathe my Dad bought at auction. With help from my Grandfather I was soon gathering tools and equipment and in need of a dedicated workshop.

I've attended many excellent free youth training events held by the Association of Woodturners Great Britain and also The Worshipful Company of Turners, of which I am now a Yeoman. This has been fundamental in my development and has helped me turn full since graduating from University in 2021. Alongside the rugby balls, I have a successful YouTube channel making Harry Potter wands and another business launching in Spring 2025.

The majority of timber is sourced locally and I will often be in charge of the whole process, from field to finished product. I am building up a stock of 'grain matched' rugby balls, where I need to carefully cut and dry the timber so that it reassembles as it was in the tree. You'll struggle to source a 12" square dry piece of wood with no splits! I constantly strive to improve each ball and make them as perfect as they can be, exploring as many different timbers and designs as possible. Be the best or don't bother!

I am now making the rugby balls on a Wadkin RU from 1934. I've made lots of modifications and jigs to ensure the rugby balls are not only the highest quality, but also as efficient and easy to make. I have a passion for old cast iron Wadkin machines as the quality cannot be matched by modern machines. It is currently in a functional restoration state! I love precision work and try to bring many machinist practises across to my world of woodwork.

On weekends I'm not logging or fixing a Land Rover, I'm playing for my local rugby club, Upton upon Severn, where my Dad also played. Unfortunately there's no Worcester Warriors to support anymore!