Richard Phipps
Biggleswade RUFC club members were saddened to hear of the loss of Richard Phipps and our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.
Few people epitomised what it meant to be a ‘rugby club man’ than Richard.
Arriving at Biggy in 1997 when his son Stuart joined the U8s, Richard immediately threw himself into firstly coaching and then managing the Minis age group. Throughout his long association with Biggleswade, his list of job titles was endless. Linesman for the Youth and Senior teams, Fixture Secretary, Kit Man, Cook (producing some eye watering chillies for the post-match dinners), Team Secretary, and Bar Chairman. Always a calm and sensible voice at club committee meetings, it was Richard's thoughts - delivered in a quiet Somerset accent - that often solved seemingly insurmountable problems.
Richard also took on the key role of Treasurer during the 2009/10 season and helped steer the club to not inconsiderable success, including the First XV winning the Bedfordshire Cup in the 2012/13 season.
It is perhaps his tour-arranging skills that Richard will be best remembered for, starting with the Minis Millennium Tour to his beloved Bath Rugby, where the teams competed in the Bath Festival. Further expeditions to Arras in France and Amsterdam with the youth team forged memories and friendships and stories, (especially Amsterdam!) for all those who went.
Anyone looking at the Colts and Senior team photos from that era will notice The ADI sponsorship, yet another of Richard’s support for all of the club via his employer.
The combination of Richard as Team Secretary and Steve ‘Stan’ Matthews as Coach bought success to the squad, starting with winning the U15s Beds County Cup in 2006 and as U17s beating Wasps at their home ground in Acton to clinch the Herts & Middlesex U17s crown.
Richard’s legacy lives on today in the presence of the Saracens Herts and Middlesex Youth Leagues where Richard was instrumental in persuading the organisers to let a Bedfordshire team into the league, and then promptly won the U17s title at the first attempt! Where Biggy led, others followed.
Long trips to London were rewarded with a higher standard of rugby, featuring teams such as Saracens, Wasps and London Welsh.
There are many stories and legends surrounding the man, far too many to mention, but next time Bath are on TV, pour yourself a whisky sit and enjoy and remember one of Biggleswade Rugby Club’s finest.
Condolences to Stuart and all of Richard’s family.
Richard's funeral is on Thursday April 27th 12:30 at Westerleigh crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol, BS37 8RF
PHOTOS:
(Top of page) Richard is on the far left of the picture
(Below) Richard is on the left, in front of the posts, wearing sunglasses
