HUNDREDS of Witney members turned out in tribute to Dave Wicks on the day of his funeral.

The hugely-popular member died aged 64 earlier this month after contracting coronavirus while recovering from a stroke.

Lockdown restrictions prevented a big gathering of members at the service or for a wake, but many were still able to pay their respects.

Observing the social distancing rules, they lined the route on Friday as the hearse went from the rugby club to the South Oxfordshire Crematorium, near Frilford.

Bob Fisk, Witney’s chairman, represented the club as one of only ten people allowed to attend the funeral, said: “All along the route people stood in Witney shirts and clapped as the hearse drove by.

“I would imagine there was easily 300-plus on the route, with many along Hailey Road by the clubhouse.

“Lots were along Welch Way by the fire station, where the fire brigade includes Witney members, who stood to attention with the engines on parade.”

The club are planning to hold a celebration of his life and thanks for his dedication when restrictions are lifted.

The funeral came on the same day Witney lost another long-serving member.

Bob Morris, who taught at Henry Box School, joined in the 1970s as a second row and went on to coach in the youth section.