Derek Atkins was signed on amateur forms in February 1950. He played as a half-back and was from St James Youth Club in Exeter.

He was conscripted into the Royal Marines and once demobbed had become a very good rugby player and played for Exeter RFC (now Exeter Chiefs) as a full back, in the 1950's and 60's.

He was an Uncle to Trevor Atkins who played for Exeter in the late 50's.

Derek sadly passed away on the 10th of September 2021.