Stockton and Middlesbrough will battle it out on Saturday in the annual Alan Todd Memorial match (kick-off 2pm).
This is the 12th time the clubs will clash at Station Road to commemorate a man who gave so much to Teesside as a Stockton player and official.
He was also a social member at Middlesbrough and lived close to the club’s Acklam Park ground.
A statement from Stockton RFC said: “Alan came from a non-rugby school and first played for Stockton in the 1950s as a winger, but like all sensible backs he eventually gravitated to the warmth of the front row.
“He played many first-team games including the Durham Cup final of 1964 when Stockton were defeated by Durham City, who at the time had three England internationals playing for them in Mike Weston, Stan Hodgson and John Ranson.
“His competitive career was ended by a knee injury, which in later years necessitated a replacement joint. In the 1970s he commenced his admin career in Stockton as chairman in 1976 and became our president in 1990.
“Simultaneously he was our Durham County representative and proudly became president of Durham County Rugby Union during the 1998/99 season.
“Alan also played a part in ensuring our junior section took off during the 1970s and two of his sons, Steve and Chris, played for Stockton.
“We anticipate his grandson Matthew will be playing for Middlesbrough on Saturday.
“Whatever the result, we anticipate both clubs will enjoy the rugby and the occasion.”
Stockton hope the match with Yorkshire One high-flyers Boro will also boost their league preparations ahead of the season resuming on Saturday, January 3.
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