Match with top names will honour 'Mr Newark rugby'

A rugby match featuring ex-international players will be held in memory of a former Newark Rugby Club president.

Mr Brian Fisher died in August last year, aged 82, and was a prominent figure at the club for many years.

He originally joined as a player, and went on to hold numerous roles behind the scenes and was made an honorary life member.

He was instrumental in building the team’s clubhouse in 1964, and was also supportive of the latest improvements at the club.

A team of ex-internationals, led by England lock Simon Shaw, will take on an RAF Veterans’ team on March 24 at Kelham Road.

Shaw is expected to be joined by fellow ex-internationals — wing Iain Balshaw, prop Kevin Yates and ex-Wales full-back Lee Byrne.

The squad is to be coached by Neil Back, a former Leicester flanker who played in England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team.

Mr Alan Swain, current president of Newark Rugby Club, said the match would reflect the esteem in which Mr Fisher was held.

“We felt such a match was a fitting tribute to Brian, who was ‘Mr Newark Rugby’ for the way he helped lead the club over many, many years.

“Brian would be thrilled that such an event was attracting such figures and also as a fundraiser for our new clubhouse.

“We hope as many people as possible will be at the ground, where admittance is free.”

The match starts at 5.30pm to allow the first team to play at Ashbourne earlier in the afternoon.

It will be followed by an after-match dinner and function that has attracted interest from around 500 people.

The event is one of the final major fundraising events for the new clubhouse, which will replace the existing building.