Paul John Ackford

Paul John Ackford

Paul John Ackford was born in Hanover, West Germany, on 26 February 1958 and educated at Plymouth College, Kent University and Cambridge University where he won a Blue in 1979. He was a police officer and also a teacher but after his playing days became a respected rugby correspondent for 'The Sunday Telegraph'. He played club rugby for Plymouth Albion, Rosslyn Park, Cambridge University, Metropolitan Police and Harlequins. Between 1988 and 1991 Paul Ackford played 25 internationals at lock for England and in 1989 toured Australia with the British Isles, making eight appearances, including the three tests. His eight matches for the Barbarians included the Easter tours of 1979 and 1980 and against New Zealand in 1989.