We have been contacted this week by Ashby RFC following the sudden passing of Phil Dyer, Phil played for Staines in the early 80s, I am sure one or two of you will remember him, please find the note from Ashby RFC below. RIP Phil.

It is with great sadness again that we have to announce the sudden passing of Phil Dyer yesterday, aged 68. Our hearts go out to his wife, Shân and children Ceri and Helen.
Phil left his home town of Cardigan to study at Nottingham University Following this he moved to work for the Immigration Services at Heathrow and played his rugby at Staines later joining Ashby RFC when he transferred up to the East Midlands. Phil played his first game for the club on the 4th September 1982 where he scored the only 3 points for Ashby and has been involved with the club ever since. He went on from player to become passionately involved with running the club, becoming a committee member and then subsequently the Chairman, then President and finally a club Director. Phil was the driving force behind the purchase and development of the current site of the club, something that has been instrumental in the clubs growth and development to the current point. Phil was steadfast in his support of Ashby and his constant welcoming demeanour.
Phil was a passionate and fluent speaking Welshman and was often to be found in the clubhouse during England vs Wales fixtures sat with fellow countrymen. A friend remembers Phil actually shedding a tear whilst attending England vs Wales at Twickenham in 1999 after Wales won 32-31 to win the Grand Slam.
Above his passion for rugby and the various other charitable and community groups in Ashby he was part of, it’s fair to say that Phil’s biggest passion was his family. Only the day before his passing, he was at a family BBQ teaching one grandson to side step and dummy whilst being attacked with water guns and dinosaurs by his younger grandkids; Joseph, Jessica, Oscar. Imogen and Molly. The club will be speaking with the family to decide how to honour a true club stalwart. Thanks for everything you did for Ashby RFC, Phil. You will be both remembered and sorely missed.

Ashby RFC