RUGBY UNION: Smith was true stalwart (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: Smith was true stalwart

10:30am Thursday 20th September 2012 in Rugby By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

TRIBUTES have been paid to Oxford Harlequins and Oxford Old Boys stalwart Owen Smith, who died last week aged 61.

A former player, manager and committee member, Mr Smith was decribed as the most loyal follower a rugby club could have.

Although born in Oxford on October 24, 1950, Mr Smith was staunchly Welsh and a passionate supporter of his country’s national sport.

Mr Smith worked in IT at Oxfordshire County Council , Heinemann and latterly the John Radcliffe Hospital .

Friend and former Quins coach Tony Edney said: “I always had a 6.30am wake up call on Sunday morning after the Wales v England Six Nations game if Wales had won – just to remind me in case I may have forgotten the result and to question my English parentage.

“Normally Owen’s name was the first on the list for a club tour and a tour with Owen on board was something to behold.

“Never afraid to voice an opinion or shy away from an alcoholic beverage, Owen has been a large part of the Quins for so long it will seem a strange place without him.

“A more loyal follower a rugby club could not have.”

A facebook page, www.facebook.com/owensmemorial, has been set up in Mr Smith’s memory.

His funeral takes place at Oxford Crematorium on Monday at 12noon, followed by a wake at Quins’ Marston Ferry Road clubhouse.