It is with great sadness that we formally report the passing of our Club Chairman, Richard Wilkinson, on Wednesday 8 January, at the age of 70. As most will be aware, Richie had been fiercely fighting a form of blood cancer for some considerable time and unfortunately it and its treatment finally got the better of him.

As well as being the very proud current Chairman of City he had been its President in two separate stints (1993-95 and 2013-19) and was at the moment “bridesmaid” to his wife Caroline McHale as President. Originating from Middlesborough, Richie qualifed as a P.E teacher at Durham University and ending up for many years as the equally proud Head of Biddick Academy, Washington. He joined the Club as a player when returning to the city from work in London in the early 1980s,and was particularly proud of the fact that he’d played at all senior levels (1sts to 5ths at the time!) and, believe it or not, appears on the Club Honours Boards in various capacities no less than 11 times, the final one being
elected, together with Caroline, as an Honorary Life Member in 2023 – a true Club legend in every sense of the word .

In his capacity, as County Schools Union Chairman he strove strongly, together with John Pearson in particular, to preserve and promote the Schools Union’ cause and our belated thanks go to him (and John!) – he will be a hard act to follow! Beyond the scope of rugby, Richard also served as Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board of HMP Frankland!

To the very end, he fought for and supported the Club at every level with common sense and total enthusiasm, not to mention huge concern for its future, and our gratitude knows no bounds! A true advocate for community rugby, Richard was a friend to many clubs and will be much missed across the region.

To Caroline and all of the family on behalf of the Club as a whole, we can only offer the sincerest of condolences and thanks for his and her hard work and dedication over the years.

Details of Richard's final farewell will be shared in due course.