Michael was brought up in Billingham and attended St Mary's Grammar RC school in Middlesbrough. John Green had moved there from Grangefield GS to teach and as Stockton RFC 2nd XV skipper introduced rugby to the school.

Michael joined the Stockton RFC Colts side in 1972 which made the final of the Lormor Cup under the guidance of Roger Atkinson ( Nick's father) as manager.In 1973 he graduated to the senior club, making his 1st team debut in a 12-4 defeat at Redcar on 26/01/1974 .

Michael was away at Manchester University in the early 1980s where he captained the University team and he then arranged to ensure Stockton played Manchester University on his wedding day in the mid 1980s!

Michael captained Stockton 1st team for three seasons from 1985/6 until the end of 1987/88

He played 1st team rugby until the early 1990's when younger hookers such as Stephen White and Nick Smithson came through the Colts ending the record that between 1972 and 1992 either Michael or Terry Wilson had played all the 1st team games at hooker apart from a dozen when both were injured.

Michael was then approached by Billingham in the late 1990s to join them to spearhead their promotions from the lower leagues, and he remained there for several seasons before returning to Stockton four or five years ago to play in the Stocktonians. He took over the Stocktonians captaincy when Andy Featherstone had to stand down through ill health last season. The team is now a careful blend of youth & experience and includes Mike's own son Ciaran.

Michael was also the founder of the "Norton Pirates" team which now blends veteran player from local clubs to play occasional evening games against similar sides.

There are lots of other tales which perhaps shouldn't be mentioned , mostly involving club dinners - like his naked streak around the guests' table at the Club's Centenary Dinner at the Swallow Hotel in 1974, or him inserting a hot light bulb from a chandelier up the (now late) Jim Hamilton's rear end as Jim concluded the "Zulu Warrior" at the Queens hotel in 1975,----I could go on!!!