It’s with sadness to report the unexpected passing of Gordon Jones who will be fondly remembered by everyone associated with WRFC prior to 1987. 

The club was extremely well represented at his funeral on Tuesday October 10 at St Mary’s Church, Wenvoe near Cardiff.

Born in Llandysul, Ceredigion, in 1937, Gordon joined Winchester RFC in 1967 as a blind side flanker, having previously played first class rugby for Glamorgan Wanderers, Bedford, Penarth and caps representing the Welsh Schools, Royal Navy and Old Wales.

He captained the club from 1968 before becoming coach in 1974.

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Under his guidance, the team won the Hampshire cup in 1976, the club’s biggest achievement during its first 50 years.

Off the pitch, Gordon became an indispensable figure in many of the club’s activities.

He helped secure a new clubhouse and ground, organised overseas tours to Germany and France, and developed youth players and teams. Dubbed 'Mr Winchester Rugby' by the local press he was made an honorary vice - president in 1979 in recognition of his tireless efforts on and off the field.

Gordon left Winchester in 1987 to take up the post of Chief Law Clerk for South Wales with the newly formed Crown Prosecution Service.

In 2002, he was awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours in recognition on his work for ensuring the prosecution service in Wales could fully operate in Welsh, his first language.

Gordon is survived by his wife Elizabeth and sons Edward and Huw, as well as children Ceri and Rhyddian from his first marriage.

Our pre match lunch and fixture v Witney RFC on Saturday November 18 will be in memory of Gordon when we will be joined by his wife Elizabeth and their two sons.

Gordon James Jones MBE - 1937-2023.

Rob Sanderson,
President WRFC