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LinkedinNewbury Blues captain Dan Thorne recently reached an extraordinary milestone — 300 senior appearances for the club, alongside more than 1,700 points scored. Speaking to Kennet Radio, Dan reflected on a 15-year journey that has seen him grow from a late starter into one of the most recognisable and respected figures at Monks Lane.
Dan made his first-team debut in January 2011, having joined the senior setup the year before. While many players begin their rugby careers young, Dan’s route into the sport was less conventional.
“I didn’t actually play club rugby until I left school,” he explained. “My brother played from the age of five, so I was always around the club, but football was my first love growing up.”
It wasn’t until a gap year after school that Dan decided to give rugby a proper go, joining Newbury’s Colts (then Under-19s). That decision proved pivotal. A strong season saw him play alongside teammates who would later become first-team regulars — laying the foundations for a long and loyal career.
Leadership on and off the pitch
Dan became club captain at the start of the 2014–15 season, a role he has held for just over a decade. Asked what being captain really involves, he described it as far more than calling heads or tails on matchday.
“At first, it was about leading by example — setting standards through performance,” he said. “But over time it’s also become about communication: being a link between players and coaches, and helping manage things off the pitch as well.”
That leadership has been tested through both highs and lows. Dan recalled some particularly difficult early seasons, including heavy defeats during a period when the club was transitioning from semi-professional to fully amateur status.
“There were some dark days,” he admitted. “In my first season we only won one league game. I remember losing 130-something nil away at Old Centralians — that was my first taste of senior rugby.”
From dark days to unforgettable highs
Despite those early struggles, Dan’s career has been filled with standout moments. One of the most memorable was what the club dubbed “The Great Escape” — a season where to avoid relegation Newbury had to win practically every one of their post-Christmas fixtures.
“There was a huge win against Salisbury on the last day of the season — that was special,” he said.
But the highlight still stands above the rest: a promotion playoff victory against Clevedon in 2016 or 2017.
“It was a Bank Holiday in April, about a thousand people here,” Dan recalled. “One game to get promoted — and we did it. The atmosphere, the performance, the celebrations… it’s still the best day I’ve had at Newbury.”
What made those successes even sweeter was the makeup of the squad — largely local players, many of whom had come through the club’s youth system.
Balancing rugby and real life
Away from the pitch, Dan works as a maths teacher at Park House School, just across the road from the rugby club — a convenience that helps him balance a demanding job with training and match commitments.
“I like routine,” he said. “The structure of teaching actually fits really well with rugby. Being so close means I can still make training even on busy days like parents’ evenings.”
What’s next?
While 400 caps might be a stretch, Dan isn’t done yet.
“Hopefully a few more caps,” he said. “I’d like to play a season or two without being captain as well — let someone else take that responsibility while I’m still involved.”
As for life beyond rugby, Dan is looking forward to spending more time cycling, enjoying the summer, and keeping up with an ever-growing family — including five nieces.
Before signing off, Dan had one final message.
“A massive thank you to everyone who’s supported the club and supported me over the years. The support around town has been incredible — it’s what makes this club so special.”
Kennet Radio is proud to celebrate Dan Thorne’s 300-cap milestone and to share the story of a player whose commitment, leadership, and loyalty truly embody the spirit of Newbury Blues.
The interview with Dan Thorne was first broadcast on Kennet Radio’s Saturday Chatterday programme on 17th January, 2026. Photos by kind permission of Peter Branch and Redwater Images.
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