A man devoted to his club

Terry Hurst

RUGBY UNION: 

OLDHAM Rugby Union Club members are mourning the death at 75 of Terry Hurst.

Terry exerted a powerful influence over the club for six decades. As a player and official, his contribution to Oldham RUFC had been monumental.

Terry first joined Oldham at 16. He played first-team rugby and was ‘A’ team captain during the 1962-63 season. His playing career was cut short by injury when he was 23, but he was determined to contribute off the field. He joined the committee - on which he served for more than 40 years.

After retiring from that he continued many of his previous roles and was an active member of the club.

Terry was made an honorary member — one of only five in the 100-year existence of the club.

Terry was heavily involved with the RFU when leagues were first introduced, and was on first-name terms with many influential people in the game, including world cup-winning player Jason Leonard and Martin Johnson - England captain when the side lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy in 2003.

Past-president Steve Fox said: “I have lost a great friend and mentor. Terry worked tirelessly for Oldham RUFC for 60 years. He was an exceptional club man widely respected by everyone in the wider rugby fraternity.”

Terry leaves his wife Edna, two sons, Graham and Tim, daughter-in-Law Janine and three grandchildren, Lucy, Abby and Lilly. Funeral details have yet to be announced.