I am sorry to bring you the sad news that club legend Ray Ward died on Friday, after a long struggle against a series of illnesses. The funeral will be on Monday 31 March, at St Mary Magdalen Church, Lillington, at 1.30. The burial(to be attended by family only) will be at 2.30 and everyone is invited to the Rugby Club

Ray began playing for the club as an 18-year old in 1956-57 and quickly made it into the 1st team where he stayed for the next 25 years, eventually racking up a record 600 plus games. Ray built up a reputation as one of the best and most feared forwards in Warwickshire rugby and although he was tempted to move on to leading clubs, he stayed loyal to Leamington throughout his career and is regarded by all who played with him (and against him) as one of our best ever players.

He became vice-captain in 1962-63 and went on to captain the club in 1964/65 and, in four spells, he was skipper 6 times. He switched position from second row to prop in the mid 1960s and became even more formidable. After his final spell of captaincy in 1973/74, he decided to hang up his boots but he found retirement difficult and made a number of come-backs and went on to play regularly until 1980.

His final appearance was 5 years later in 1985, when the club was going through a front-row crisis and Ray was called-up, along with Dave Reeve and John Sturley to form a front row which averaged over 40 and in which Ray was easily the oldest. He played half a dozen games and his only complaint was they didn’t carry on picking him, preferring to get back to a more youthful line-up. Ray was elected as an Honorary Life Member in 2015

Apart from his own game, Ray was very keen to see the development of young players and along with Maurice Goymer ran coaching sessions for schoolboys from those schools that didn’t play rugby. This was a very early example of Colts and mini rugby. His wife Stephanie who passed on a few years ago, was also a big supporter of the club and their son Chris began to follow in his footsteps for a while. Our sympathy and best wishes go to all of their family.

I am sorry to also have to announce the death of Ray Murphy, father of ex-first team centre Chris Murphy. Ray was a regular supporter of Chris when he played here and was well known to man y. Our condolences go to the family. The funeral is today (Wednesday 26 February) at St Peters Church, Dormer Place at l0.30 and then on to the crematorium and then the Irish club. Dress-code informal

There were no games last week due to a gap in the programme and half-term. Things get underway again on Saturday and as we will be in March, kick-off from now on will be at 3.00. On Sunday the minis and juniors resume after half -erm with the U16 at Bicester, the U15 at Barkers Butts and the minis away to Rugby Lions

The 1sts will resume with a home game against Old Coventrians. The Seconds and Colts are also listed as being at home so there might be a bit of tinkering with the times.

We have our final VP Lunch of the season, prior to the OC game and our numbers are rising steadily. Charlie Gardner is organising the event and If you want to book-in contact him asap Charles.n.gardner44@gmail.com. 12.30 for 1.00.

Kit Forrest will be organising a 200 club draw during the afternoon. Prizes are £300, £200, £100 and £50. The 200 club is a great earner and you have the chance of getting your money back as a prize. If you want to get into this final draw of the season, please contact Kit Forrest on 07748 658086 or kit.forrest1951@gmail.com

As mentioned last week, Leamington Ladies are holding their own take on a VP lunch with a Ladies Day on Saturday 12 April (day of Papa John Cup game) This will cost £20 and will comprise 3 courses plus coffee and a complimentary bubbly or Pimms starter drink. If you would like to attended please get in contact with Cath Lyon lyoncatherine94@gmail.com. The limit is 10 per table and the dress code is to impress

Another significant thing is that the Club celebrates its 100th birthday in March 2026. Our President Dave Ward is putting together a range of activities to celebrate the event over a 12-month period. He is looking for ideas and people to help him put the programme together. If you would like to be involved, speak to Dave or reply to me and I will pass your interest on.

The tickets for the Wales v England game offered last week have been sold

Johnlizlyons @btopenworld.com