NEWS | Dons represented at World Cup final by club doctor

The Dons had their very own representative at last weekend’s Rugby League World Cup final, in the form of club doctor Juan Ballesteros.

Juan has been with the Samoan squad throughout their journey from the Cantley Park training pitches, to the dramatic semi-final victory over England, which of course set up the showpiece event against holder Australias at Old Trafford.

Juan, who is also employed as associate medical director for clinical safety at Doncaster Royal Infirmary having been a consultant there for 15 years, has been working with the Dons intermittently for the past 30 years, and is a popular figure around the club.

Having been put forward by chief executive Carl Hall for the role with Samoa, it’s safe to say he has played a key role in helping the nation reach their first ever World Cup final.

Juan said: “It’s been amazing. I had a previous taste of international rugby when the Cook Islands came to Doncaster in 2013 and Carl was influential in that too.

I’m extremely grateful of Carl for putting me forward, and after speaking to Matt Parish the opportunity was one that made sense for all parties.

“Each week was more exciting and my son Harry was with me for every step of it, because he wants to be a sports physiotherapist so he has been allowed to stay with the team and see how they do things.

“The clincher was the Samoa staff allowing my son to be a part of it, they were so accommodating and made us feel so welcome.

“Shortly after I arrived in Doncaster I met Carl when he was a player and we got on very well, our relationship goes back three decades and he’s always been a pleasure to work with.

“I knew nothing about rugby league 30 years ago and he has taught me a lot about the sport. Carl is an amazing person and we are very lucky to have him as our boss.”

Carl Hall said: “It was great to see a member of our staff playing a big part in Samoa’s journey to the Rugby League World Cup final.

“Juan’s work with the Dons has been first class over the years and he is a credit to himself, I had no hesitation in recommending him when the Samoans were looking for a doctor.

“Given the connection the city had made with Samoa since they first came here a few weeks ago, it was great to see them performing at Old Trafford.”