John had a long rugby playing career as a flanker most notably with London Irish whom he captained from 1979 – 81, leading them to the John Player Cup final in 1980. He also played club rugby with Manchester and Liverpool St. Helen’s RFC.
At provincial level he represented Connacht for 13 seasons. On the international stage he was capped 26 times for Ireland between 1978 and 1984.
He also toured with the British and Irish Lions in 1980 and 1983 playing in 19 games including six test matches.
John was named as Irish Sportsman of the year in 1980.
After his playing career he remained deeply involved in rugby. He was coach to the Irish Exiles team which played in the Senior Interprovincial Championship from 1991 to 1995. He was President of the Irish Exiles from 2006 – 2010.
John was a Lions selector in 2001. He has held various administrative roles within the IRFU including as representative to World Rugby and Rugby Europe from 2016 to 2025.
Outside of rugby John’s career was in medicine where he was a Consultant Dermatologist, Clinical Director of Greater Manchester Dermatology and Regional Skin Cancer Network Chair.