Death of local rugby stalwart

TRIBUTES have been paid to rugby stalwart Phil Ardron, who died at the weekend.

Phil stepped down as president at Wath Rugby Club last year after over 30 years’ service to the club.

He formerly served as president of the Yorkshire RFU and was a stalwart of the Yorkshire Schools Rugby organisation for many years, organising events and county teams — his interest in rugby having kicked off when he started Wath Grammar School in 1937.

After playing, he began to work behind the scenes in the 1960s and quickly progressed to become a senior administrator, serving as county president from 1991-92. Phil was also instrumental in setting up the colts section at Moor Road.

Said a club spokesman: “Phil was a true Wath Rugby Club legend and will be missed by all at the club as well as the wider rugby community.”