Tony Boyer - 1928-2013

The South West regrets to announce the death of former Competitions Committee member Tony Boyer. Tony, who was 84, passed away on Friday 24th May after a period of ill health. His funeral will be held at 11.15 at Thatcham Crematorium on Friday 7th June and thereafter at Newbury RFC.

Tony was born in Newbury on the 30th June 1928. He spent most of his life in Newbury, attending St Bartholomew's Grammar School. He did his National Service in the Royal Air Force and during that time took part in the Berlin Airlift.

His life was however primarily devoted to rugby football, firstly playing for Newbury and when injury prevented him playing, to administration. He was a member of the Berkshire and South West Committees when the leagues were formed in 1987. He took a leading role when the South West merged with Southern Counties and in establishing the first league tables and fixtures; becoming a member of the SW Organising Committee from its outset (being one of only a handful on that Committee to serve for the first 25 years). He served on the Committee until 2011/12 season.

He was honoured with the Chairmanship of the South West and took great pleasure when they played the All Blacks at Redruth.

His contribution to the South West and the establishment of the SW leagues cannot be exaggerated and even in his last year his number one passion was getting the league results on a Sunday morning and discussing them with anyone who would care to listen.

A great man of rugby whose experience will be sorely missed.