John Allan has had a long and prosperous rugby career, and it looks set to continue that way.

Born on the 25th of November 1963 in Glasgow, Scotland but grew up in South Africa. John attended Glenwood High School, where rugby first became a part of his life. In 1981, at the age of 17, he played for Glenwood High School's 1st XV.

From 1982 to 1985 he captained the Glenwood Old Boys U20 and the Natal U20 teams. From 1986 to 1987, he played for North Tvl Defence 1st XV and the South African Defence 1st XV3. Then from 1988 to 1990 he captained the Glenwood Old Boys 1st XV, as well as the Natal Provincial 1st XV, and played for the South African Select XV.

Between 1989 and 1992, John played 12 tests and 24 games for Scotland, as their Hooker. Subsequently, between 1993 and 1996, he represented South Africa in 13 tests and 26 games, also as Hooker.

In 1993 John was made captain of the Natal team. While with Natal, he was a part of the Currie Cup Winning teams of 1992, 1995 and 1996. Between 1988 and 1997, John earned 126 caps for the Natal Sharks.

In 1997, John started coaching. His first stint was with London Scottish, from 1997 to 1998 where they were promoted to the Premier Division, and John moved on to coach the Natal Sharks forwards in 1999.

From 2000 to 2003 John was the Director of Coaching for the Glenwood Falcons, while also commentating on Supersport. He also worked as an advisor to the Natal Sharks from 2000 to 2001, and became their Forward Consultant in 2003.

In 2004, he was appointed the CEO of SARLA, a duty he still performs to this day. He does this, while still managing to maintain his various other positions. He is still the Director of Coaching for his club, the Glenwood Falcons, and a Supersport TV Presenter; in addition, he became the Executive Director of The eLan Rugby Legends.