He's been a Scottish rugby hero, a Newcastle beat bobby, and an inspirational coach for generations of sports men and women.
But after 17 years of nurturing youngsters on and off the pitch, 'Lucky Jim' Pollock is set to retire from his longest role as PE teacher at the Royal Grammar School.
Former Scottish international rugby union player Jim has spent 17 years teaching at the RGS, but as an ex-student, his ties with the school in Jesmond, Newcastle , go much further back.
Wallsend -born Jim attended the RGS between 1967 and 1977 and was introduced to rugby by John Elders, the school’s sports master at the time.
"That was when I first got into sport," Jim said.
"It was a bit of a rugby school so that was probably my first love, but I like all sports."
After his graduation from the school, Jim enjoyed a spell teaching PE at Kenton School while playing for Gosforth Football Club, which was to later become the Newcastle Falcons.
As a rugby player he was Scotland’s talisman in the early 1980s. Dubbed 'Lucky Jim', the 60-year-old scored on his debut against Wales in 1982 - at Cardiff Arms Park where Scotland hadn't won in 20 years - and played his part in the Scots’ last win against the Auld enemy on English soil.
But he is perhaps best remembered for a last-gasp try that secured a draw against the mighty New Zealand in 1983.
Jim left Kenton to pursue a career with Northumbria Police , but when a position became available for a Junior School teacher at RGS in 2002, he knew it would be the solution to combine his love of rugby, teaching and the school.
Nearly two decades later, Jim is again preparing to say farewell to his beloved RGS, this time leaving behind him a legacy which extends much further than on the rugby field.
“Jim has been with us in the Junior School for 17 years; he is simply RGS through and through,” said James Miller, Deputy Headmaster.
“Charismatic, energetic and a raconteur supreme, he is much loved by students of all ages, parents and colleagues alike. He has inspired generations of sports men and women, specialising in rugby but offering words of wisdom across the range of sports.”
During his time at the RGS Jim has enjoyed a number of achievements as the First Team coach, including taking the side to Twickenham for the 2010 final of the NatWest Schools cup and winning this year’s Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens competition for the first time.
And it seems fitting that his last season of coaching has been his most successful; in October 2018 Jim lead the 1XV team to an historic victory at the St Joseph’s College National Schools’ Rugby Festival.
Speaking about his coach and mentor, Phil Brantingham, RGS 1XV Captain for the 2019-20 season & England U18s, said: “Mr Pollock has been a huge inspiration for not only me, but the whole of the RGS rugby community.
"He has given so much to the school and is the greatest ambassador of schoolboy rugby, it won’t be the same without him next year.”
While it’s fair to say Jim has helped to nurture the talent of international and professional rugby players, both past and present, his influence on athletes of other sporting disciplines has not gone unnoticed.
“Mr Pollock has been a great help throughout my RGS career,” said GB Basketball U18 player, Tosan Evbuomwan. “A lot of this goes unnoticed, but something that has really stood out to me is his constant support and belief, irrespective of the particular sport I’m playing.”
Current Newcastle Falcons’ Captain Will Welch said: “He’s a proper rugby man who’s a great coach and who especially helped me during my younger years. Most importantly, Jim never forgets the importance of what rugby brings you outside of just playing the game – the camaraderie, enjoyment and relationships you build.”
On his retirement, Jim said: "I'm getting a little bit tired and I'm a great believer that there's times for people to go when there's opportunities for other people to take your place."
But he will still be keeping busy with his coaching role and work for the Rugby Football Union.
