Blackburn Rugby Club is proud to celebrate and recognise one of its valued long-term sponsors, Mike England Timber, whose support, commitment, and community spirit have become deeply woven into the fabric of the club.

A Business Built on Experience, Craft, and Character:

Mike England Timber is a respected family-run timber business with a strong reputation for quality materials, trusted service, and long-standing relationships across the construction and trade industries. Founded by John Hardman (Jeanette’s Father) and Mike England, the business reflects the same values. Hard work, reliability, and teamwork.

Mike enjoyed an impressive footballing career in the 1960s and 1970s. A former Welsh international, he famously played against the likes of Pele and George Best, won the FA Cup in 1966/67 and the UEFA cup in 1971/72 wearing the No.5 shirt. He was also the Welsh National Team manager between 1980 to 1988. Photographs from the era show Mike proudly receiving the FA Cup alongside legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings, moments that underline a remarkable sporting journey.

Those values of discipline, loyalty, and pride have carried through into the business that still bears his name today.

Falling in Love with Blackburn RUFC:

The journey between Mike England Timber and Blackburn Rugby Club began in 2013, when Jeanette Corner (formerly Managing Director and now a Director on the Board at Mike England Timber Ltd) and her husband, Phil Corner, were invited to their first game by Brian Maudsley, who was President of Blackburn Rugby Club at the time.

From that very first visit, they were drawn in by the ethos of the club, the strong sense of community, the welcoming environment, and the feeling that Blackburn RUFC was about far more than just rugby. What started as spectatorship quickly turned into genuine involvement.

Dino Radice of Blackburn RUFC says: “From the moment Jeanette and Phill walked through the gates, it was clear they truly got what Blackburn Rugby Club is about. Their support has never been about visibility or return. It’s always been about contribution, community, and care.

Mike England Timber are the definition of a partner rather than just a sponsor. Whether that’s supporting the club financially, rolling up their sleeves to help with jobs around the ground, or being there week in, week out at both home and away games, their commitment has been outstanding.

Relationships like this are invaluable to a club like ours, and we’re incredibly proud to have Mike England Timber as part of the Blackburn RUFC family.”

Giving Back When It Mattered Most:

In 2014, Jeanette and Phil played a role in supporting one of the club’s most significant fundraising efforts, following George Claxton’s life-changing injury during training. When George broke his neck and required extensive adaptations to his home. They helped with the organising of the major fundraising event, supporting everything from table arrangements to sourcing raffle and auction prizes. Months of planning culminated in an incredible successful evening, raising vital funds and showing what the Blackburn rugby family is truly about.

From Supporters to Sponsors — and So Much More:

In 2015, Mike England Timber officially became sponsors, providing shirt sponsorship for Blackburn’s North Lancashire & Cumbria Championship Final. A season that ended with promotion for the club for the first time.

From there, the partnership only grew stronger. They went on to become board sponsors and remain ever-present at both home and away matches, continuing to show their unwavering support week in, week out. But their contribution goes far beyond branding. Over the years, Mike England Timber have generously supported the club with practical, hands-on help - supplying cladding for the tractor shed, installing fencing, advertising board fixings, assisting with groundwork, and helping keep the club neat, tidy, and welcoming. Working with our volunteers and maintenance team - from improving the grassed areas by the roadside fencing to tackling odd jobs that save the club vital costs. As they see it, it’s about asking what can you bring to the club, not what you can take.

A True Community Partnership:

Jeanette and Phil would encourage more people to become actively involved with the club. Everyone has some skill that would be of benefit. The work that often goes unseen but is essential to a thriving rugby environment.

They believe it’s more about what you can bring to the Club, rather than what you can take.

Jeanette also highlights the value of the club’s corporate offering, regularly inviting colleagues and fellow businesses into Blackburn RUFC’s hospitality. Guests consistently praise the food, the rugby, the atmosphere, and the overall setup. Many remarking on the exceptional value for money, some contacts becoming club members and sponsors.

Jeanette & Philip say: “Blackburn Rugby Club is a great place to meet old and new friends and business contacts, whilst maintaining a highly professional approach to the game. It always has a friendly and inviting atmosphere. We both appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into running a successful club, from the committee, officials, coaching staff, administration, catering and everyone working hard behind the scenes. A special mention to Dino who works tirelessly to make sure that match days are a great success. We are both incredibly proud to be part of Blackburn Rugby Club and will continue with our support and look forward to being involved in the years to come.”

Jeanette notes that the sponsorship has also positively impacted the business itself. Strengthening supplier relationships and, in turn, helping grow their customer base. Having supported other sports organisations in the past, they feel Blackburn RUFC offers something truly different. Here, they can see exactly where their sponsorship goes - back into the club, the facilities, the players, and the wider community.

With their four-year-old grandson now keen to explore the rugby world, the family is already planning his first home game. A reminder that this partnership isn’t just about the present, but about the future too.

With Thanks:

Blackburn Rugby Club would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Mike England Timber, Jeanette, Phil. It is thanks to members and sponsors like them, people who give their time, resources, and passion - that the club continues to thrive both on and off the pitch.