Last week our club lost one of our ever present characters Ian Wilson fondly known as Tug. Ian was a former player, coach, committee man, lifelong member and supporter.

He played his rugby from the mid 50s and through the 60s, playing over 50 first team games. After a short retirement, he dusted off his boots to successfully player manage the 3rd XV which contained a few other retired 1st teamers but importantly also introduced new young players into the club. This led to Ian coaching, alongside Matty Greenup, one of the newly introduced Colts Teams.

He became an active committee man and had a busy role helping his brother Roger with groundsman duties.

Throughout his life his other passion was cricket with Burneside CC, playing through the 50s, 60s and 70s before becoming an umpire. Once again he was a very active committee man and supporter at Ellergreen Park.

Ian is survived by his wife Pat, daughters Rachel and Joanne, son Paul and their families.

Ian's funeral will take place at Beetham Crematorium on Tuesday 10th September at 11am.

R.I.P Tug