TRIBUTES have been paid this week to Jeff Lawson, a man described as ‘a man who lived and breathed rugby’ and was the ‘heart and soul’ of Tavistock Rugby Club.

Jeff, aged 68, who was passionate about his rugby — and Tavistock Rugby Club in particular — died from cancer after a long illness. He leaves behind his wife, Theresa, and sons James and Sam.

The former Tavistock player, coach, club secretary and elected president was fondly remembered by those at the club for both the undoubted commitment he brought and the man himself.

Bob Boreham, the chairman of Tavistock Rugby Club, said: ‘Jeff has been involved with Tavistock Rugby Club for more years than I know, for over 30 years. I met Jeff as a character in the club house in my early years with Tavy in 1990s. His renditions of rugby songs and play acting are something that will stay in my memory for many years.

‘Jeff put his whole heart into our club following retirement from his playing career through injury. He coached the minis/juniors, managed and coached our colts, was club secretary and club house manager.

‘In short for many years he was Tavistock Rugby Club. He was elected as our club president recently but never had the chance to fulfil his dreams of celebrating this position with the club, players and its members in the way he wanted.

‘Jeff was a proud man who was proud of his club and particularly of the achievements we have made of late with a great turn-out on Boxing Day and fielding two senior sides and a colts’ side on most weekends.

‘Jeff you will be missed by so many. A great friend, entertainer, organiser and doer. Truly the heart of Tavistock Rugby club.’

These sentiments were shared by Hammy Kerswill, the club’s first team coach, who told Times Sport: ‘Jeff had been involved in the club for more than 30 years and coached many of the current senior players as colts during his unquestionable stint as the Colts’ manager.

‘Jeff lived and breathed rugby and did so whilst embracing the core values of the game; win, lose or draw there was never a day he couldn’t bring joy to all those he coached; he selflessly put himself out for the expense of others. 

‘Across social media a number of ex-Tavistock players have paid tribute with the common theme being TRFC losing a true legend. Many retold countless stories of being phoned up on a Friday night to the words of Jeff Lawson, Tavistock Rugby Club —“fancy a game tomorrow?”

‘Regardless how many players Jeff rounded up, he always had belief in his players, I remember a number of games playing with a bare XV, sometimes less, yet Jeff managed to convince everyone involved “it’s a bloody good XV” and from there forward the result never mattered! 

‘As a club we send our condolences to wife Theresa and sons James and Sam in this difficult time. Jeff has certainly left a legacy!’