Paul Hooton — better known to absolutely everyone as Hooty — is another piece of Gainsborough RUFC furniture. We tried asking him when he first joined the club, but he couldn’t find the stone tablet it was originally carved on, so we’ve accepted that he’s simply always been here.
Hooty served as Maoris (2nd team) Captain for three seasons from 2014, leading with the same enthusiasm and character he brings to every corner of the club. His vibrant personality has always shone through, whether he’s rallying the lads, cracking a joke, or pulling out the wooden spoons for the classic spoons game — a tradition he’s kept alive with pride.
On the pitch, he’s most at home in the back row, though he’s been known to graft in the engine room when needed. And despite “retiring” the boots more than once, he proved this season that no one ever truly hangs them up, stepping in for a full, solid 80 minutes like he’d never been away.
Beyond rugby, Hooty isn’t just a respected member of the club — he’s a respected member of the wider community. His work with St John sees him here, there, and everywhere, always ready to help, support, and serve. That same sense of care and responsibility is exactly what he brings to his role as Safeguarding Officer.
Dependable, approachable, and full of character, Hooty is a huge part of what makes Gainsborough RUFC feel like home.