ALL at RAMS are saddened by the sudden passing of long-serving life member Roger Batchelor on Friday.

As a co-founder of the youth section, Roger’s huge contribution to the club cannot truly be put into words, while he followed the side all around the country from when he first became involved as a player back in the early 1970s.

His sterling efforts both on and off the field were marked by a minute’s silence before the 50-25 National One success against Birmingham Moseley, and Director of Rugby, Seb Reynolds, expressed post-match just how much Roger meant to RAMS.

He said: “I’ve never known this club without Roger, and it’s fair to say why us as a family are involved – I came down here to play as a kid and he tricked dad into coaching.

“He told him to take off his suede loafers and from then on, I’ve just always known him to be here.

“Roger was always around to have a good chat and had a very level and understanding view of his thoughts on the team – he understood what we were trying to do.

“He knew we had to bring in and develop young players, maintain the stalwarts of the club and what they bring – the likes of James Baker – and he just knew the side.

“He followed the team round the country up in Caldy and DMP, he was here every week, and we’re really going to miss him.”

The club legend was awarded his Honours Cap in 2011-12, and Chairman Andy Lynch added: “Anyone under the age of 35 who is still involved with the club was probably coached or mentored by Roger, who was a very special character.

“He was a great servant to the club and will be sorely missed.”

In recognition of his efforts in building the foundations for the younger members of the club, the ‘Roger Batchelor RAMS Minis Festival’ was christened in 2016, with Bill Gornall-King writing in the programme: “Today is a recognition of the great work Roger has put in not only to make this one of the longest-serving Minis Festivals, but year-on-year, one of the best.

“Roger is the epitome of a rugby man through and through, with a love of the game, love of the club, a warmth of spirit and always a supportive word to players, coaches, parents and others.”