Chris, 52, was a player and big supporter of BHRFC. One of life’s flamboyant character’s with endless energy and bundles of personality, Chris was a close friend of many club members past and present.

He is responsible for some of the funniest moments I can recount at the club, from his undefeated crown at Chest Wars, to ridiculous fancy dress and the infamous ‘chilli-con-carne-roulette’ for match tea.

A member of Her Majesty’s armed forces, Chris had moved back to Crewe some years ago and leaves his adoring son Connor and devoted wife Lisa. Our thoughts are very much with them.

Social distancing has not permitted us to attend his funeral which is tomorrow (Thursday 9th April). Like Leaky, Chris deserves a send-off BHRFC style and I promise we will all meet up again soon to celebrate the life of these great rugby men. In the meantime, at 2:30pm on Thursday 9th I ask you to raise a glass in memory of Chris as he is sent on his final journey.

The club is also aware that other members have suffered wretched personal loss at the hands of Covid-19. We must continue to do what we can to protect each other and give the NHS staff and other front-line workers a fighting chance to defeat this. Rugby has a close relationship with NHS A&E departments – if you were anything like me, I kept a few busy during my rugby career. In fact, I was up there so often a nurse looking through my file commented “Blimey, do you have an account with us?”

The club are involved in a number of initiatives to support vulnerable members and the wider community during this crisis. There is a Burgess Hill Covid-19 Support Group on Facebook and the club has our own support network organised by Shelley. For all enquiries please email admin@bhrfc.co.uk

We are united at this club; players, members, supporters, volunteers, juniors and parents. One team, one dream. Rugby teaches us Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship and we will need all of this over the next few weeks as we fight Coronavirus together. Stay at home please, it will save lives.

Shills,
President.