Dave originally played for the old Electrical Apparatus Company (EAC) and then subsequently for St Albans RFC for a significant number of years. He played wing forward and was an active member of the club. He captained the 1st XV on four separate seasons (1973/74, 1975/76, 1976/77 and 1984/85), and was co-chairman in 2000/01.

After his playing days Dave was a regular committee member and supported the club attending fixtures and pre-match lunches.

The club wishes to extend its sympathies to Dave’s family and friends, and have published the following tribute to Dave:

A Tribute to David Wall
Dave Wall - a true character and, as a long-standing member of St Albans RFC, his passing is truly mourned by all those who knew him and especially by those who had the good fortune to be his teammates. Dave was a founder member of the Club from the early 1970’s when it was formed from the local Electrical Apparatus Company, and they started playing at the Belmont Hill ground owned by the Abbey school. They met before and after games at “The Steamer” – a Pub just around the corner from the ground, at the bottom of Holywell Hill – now the site of Taylor Walton, the solicitors.

As a player, he was revered by many but respected by everyone. Dave was physically and mentally tough – whilst this was obvious on the rugby field, he was also a deep thinker, usually had strong views and was an avid reader. In fact, he became a respected authority on the strategy and detail of the Allied invasion that was a major factor in ending WW2 and, on a few occasions, helped with guided tours to the sites and remains in Northern France. Dave was far more knowledgeable than was initially apparent – although appearing to be a quiet person he was one of those people that got more interesting the more you knew him! This was a time when the game was very different from now – at the level we played, there were no leagues and fixtures were organised on a “friendly” basis although, given that the emphasis was very much on the physical aspects of the game, perhaps ‘friendly’ was not the right description! However, it was definitely appropriate to the post match celebration – the social side was a key part of rugby at this time.

The physical emphasis on the game suited Dave – he was what his generation would call – a “man’s man - a man among men”.

At this time, he had already served in the Army and, subsequently, served as a private soldier in Rhodesia before it became Zimbabwe.

By the late 1970’s Dave had already been Club Captain for three seasons – a couple of years later, in the early 1980’s Dave was the first Club Captain at the new Club ground – the other side of town - at Smallford, where it still is.

On the playing side, at the new facility, the Club’s fortunes improved – as an ever-present member of the first team he continued to give his all in every game. As a captain, his style was to be a ‘captain by example’. For the players at this time, seeing his attitude, his involvement and his level of effort provided real motivation to ensure their contribution was as significant as possible. In any case, if it wasn’t – Dave would let them know!

The level of team spirit, comradery and friendships at SARFC were excellent at this time and provided a massive contribution to the improving success of the Club – Dave really was a key part of this improvement. The playing strength, organisation and infrastructure established provided a solid basis on which the next generation improved the fortunes of the Club still further.

After his playing days, Dave remained associated with the club – he served on the committee on many occasions and attended several club functions.

Although Dave was a private person, he was a good friend to many at the Club – a guy that would always offer help when needed but, without fuss, in his own quiet way. In a playing sense he was the guy everyone wanted on their side – a guy that many enjoyed having on their side – a guy whose playing style, attitude and commitment were never in doubt. A much over used word comes to mind when thinking of Dave Wall – in Dave’s case it is entirely appropriate – his approach to everything he did, the way he demonstrated this approach, and his influence have rightly given him legendary status in SARFC. He is a SARFC ‘Legend’ that will be fondly remembered and greatly missed but his contribution and way he went about it will continue to be the subject of many reminiscing discussions and recollections for a long long time to come. His contemporaries and subsequent members at the Club have been blessed to have known him and for him to have been part of their lives.

God bless you Dave.