Ian Birkby
Ian Birkby is a technology CEO, Ph.D. and former professional rugby league footballer who played as a in the 1970s and 1980s. Presently, he is the chief executive officer of AZoNetwork.
He played at club level for Castleford, Oldham, York and Doncaster.
Sporting career
Whilst studying at university, Birkby played as a professional rugby player representing Castleford at scrum half from 1980 to 1983 before moving to Oldham RLFC with a brief stint at York RLFC before finishing his career at Doncaster.He returned to playing rugby union in his thirties. However, he was prevented from playing for amateur team Wilmslow RUFC in the 1990s. This was due to a rule between the rugby league and the Rugby [Football Union|English Rugby Football Union] which prevented professional players of the 13-man code from playing the amateur 15 a-side game.