J. M. Ranson: key obituary facts
Is J. M. Ranson dead? Yes. J. M. Ranson died on October 27, 2026, at age 88.
Cause of death: J. M. Ranson's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was J. M. Ranson known for?
He was an English rugby union player.
More about J. M. Ranson
Born: 26 July 1938.
Place of birth: Durham.
Gender: male.
Nationality: United Kingdom.
Education: Durham School.
Also known as: John Ranson, John Matthew Ranson.
John Matthew Ranson (J.
M. Ranson), an English rugby union player who represented his country, died October 27, 2026, aged 88.
Born in Durham on July 26, 1938, he was educated at Durham School and played as a wing three-quarter. Ranson represented England 11 times between 1963 and 1964, earning seven Test caps. He scored two Test tries: one on his debut against New Zealand in Auckland during England’s 1963 tour of Australasia, and another against Wales. The try in Auckland made him the first Englishman to score against New Zealand on New Zealand soil. His rugby associations included Rosslyn Park and the Barbarians. He also appeared for Racing Club de France in several fixtures, an arrangement linked to committee members shared with Rosslyn Park. Those matches included games against the national sides of the United States and Canada, as well as the 1966 Boston International Invitational Tournament. His international record therefore encompassed England appearances at wing and a notable first against New Zealand, alongside club and invitational rugby in France and the United States.